Succession politics for 2022 is playing out fast as politicians strategize for various seats in the general election.
Politicians across the political divide are working hard to consolidating support ahead of 2022.
The succession politics have created anxiety with a section of leaders warning that they are likely to derail realization of development.
Various top leaders among them Deputy President William Ruto have been quoted warning their allies against debating 2022 and instead focus on service delivery.
As politicians plan for 2022, here are the top five North Eastern politicians to watch for ahead of the 2022 general election.
1. Aden Duale
He is the Garissa Township MP elected on Jubilee Party ticket.
Duale is also the leader of Majority in the National Position serving his second term.
The Garissa lawmaker is Deputy President William Ruto’s close ally and played a key role in the formation of Ruto’s United Republican Party (URP) that merged with others to form Jubilee.
Duale is among the vocal North Eastern and Somali community politicians.
He is a critic of opposition leader Raila Odinga and there are claims that he could be fronted DP Ruto’s running mate in the 2022 general election.
2. Ali Roba
He is the Mandera Governor serving his second term.
Governor Roba is a close ally of President Uhuru Kenyatta and led Uhuru’s presidential campaigns in the region in last year’s polls.
Governor Roba has not declared his next political move after his term comes to an end but sources say that he will be among North Eastern top politicians leading Deputy President William Ruto’s 2022 campaigns in Northern Eastern.
3. Yusuf Haji
He is the Garissa county senator serving his second term.
The veteran politician is also considered as President Uhuru Kenyatta’s ally.
He served as Defense Minister in the retired President Mwai Kibaki's coalition government.
Senator Haji’s son Noordin Haji was recently appointed as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Haji has not announced his next political move and is likely to retire from politics.
Political analysts observe that Deputy President William Ruto is likely to use him (Haji) to drum his support in the 2022 general election.
4. Sophia Abdi Noor
She is the Ijara MP elected in last year’s general election.She is the first woman to be elected MP in the North Eastern region.
Noor is an anti-Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) crusader and a champion of human rights.
The Ijara MPs’ political influence and popularity are gaining root across the Northern Kenya region.
5. Farah Maalim
He is the former National Assembly Deputy Speaker and Wiper Party deputy leader.
Maalim unsuccessfully contested for the Garissa Township seat in 2013 and 2017 general election.
He is a vocal politician and a critic of Jubilee government.