The 2022 succession politics is getting hotter as politicians across the political divide continue to lobby and seek endorsements.
The succession debates are slowly creating an election mood and anxiety even as a section of politicians call for an end to it.
Veteran politicians and newcomers are making realignments across the country. The succession debates have also amplified the push for unity through the ongoing handshakes.
Ukambani has not been left behind as leaders drum up support for themselves and their allies.
Here are top four Ukambani politician's to watch ahead of 2022 general election.
Alfred Mutua
He is the Machakos Governor serving his second term in office. Mutua was first elected governor in 2013 on Wiper Party ticket. He, however, fell out with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and quit Wiper to form his own Maendeleo Chap Chap Party. Mutua is eyeing the presidential seat in 2022 and says he has the experience to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Charity Ngilu
She is the Kitui county governor serving her first term in office. The veteran female politician is among three women who were elected governors in last year’s polls. The NARC Party leader is a political force to reckon with in Ukambani and has declared her support for Kalonzo’s 2022 bid.
Kalonzo Musyoka
He is among the country’s veteran politicians. Kalonzo is also the Wiper party leader and is eyeing the presidential seat in 2022. The former Vice president is banking on ODM party leader Raila Odinga’s support in 2022. Recently Kalonzo hinted on rebranding Wiper to One Kenya Movement (OKM) as a strategy for his 2022 bid.
Kivutha Kibwana
He is also among the veteran Kamba politicians serving his second term as Makueni governor elected on Wiper ticket. Kibwana is Kalonzo’s close ally and is backing his 2022 presidential bid. The Makueni governor has however raised dissatisfaction with how he and others are being treated in the Kalonzo Musyoka-led party. There is speculation that Kibwana could abandon Kalonzo and work with Jubilee in 2022.
With the 2022 succession politics on course, political analysts argue that Ukambani will be among the regions that will decide the country’s next president.
Ukambani is considered an opposition stronghold but the recent defection of politicians to Jubilee party is likely to give a different political dimension ahead 2022 general election.