Succession politics for 2022 is playing out across the political divide as politicians prepare to contest for various seats in the much awaited polls.
Politicians are seeking partnerships and also lobbying for support ahead of 2022.
The succession politics is playing our across all the regions in the country with men and women politicians keen to solidify their support base.
Mt Kenya region has not been left behind in the succession politics with politicians assuring Deputy President William Ruto of their support in 2022.
As the succession debate takes center stages, here are the top 6 Mt Kenya women politicians to watch ahead of 2022.
Anne Waiguru: She is the Kirinyaga governor serving her first term after last year’s general election.
Waiguru is among three women who were elected governors in last year’s polls. (Others are Charity Ngilu-Kitui and Joyce Laboso-Bomet).
In 2015, Waiguru resigned as Devolution Cabinet Secretary after corruption allegations rocked her ministry and later ventured into politics.
She was elected last year as Council of Governors (COG) Deputy Chairperson.
There are claims that she could be fronted to deputize DP William Ruto in 2022.
Martha Karua: She is a veteran politician having served as Gichugu MP and also as Cabinet Minister.
Karua is popularly referred to as the 'iron lady' and is among experienced female politicians in the country.
She unsuccessfully contested for presidency in the 1997 general election.
In 2017, Karua unsuccessfully, contested for the Kirinyaga governor seat.
She is a critic of Jubilee government and will play a key role in the Mt Kenya 2022 succession politics.
Susan Kihika: She is the Nakuru senator serving her first term after being elected in last year’s polls.
She served as Nakuru county Assembly speaker in the previous government.
A lawyer by profession, Kihika is considered as Deputy President William Ruto’s close ally and she will be a key pillar in the DP’s 2022 campaigns.
Sabina Wanjiru Chege: She is the Murang’a Woman Representative serving second term.
Chege commands a huge following among women and youth.
The MP has been quoted telling off politicians forcing Mt Kenya region to support DP Ruto’s 2022 bid.
Gathoni Wa Muchomba: She is the Kiambu woman representative elected in last year’s polls.
The MP has in the recent past found herself in controversy.
The former media personality commands a huge following and could play a key part in the succession politics.
Florence Kajuju: She is the former Meru woman representative.
She lost her re-election bid in last year’s polls and nominated as MP by Jubilee Party.
Kajuju is a close ally of President Uhuru Kenyatta and has a huge support base.
Cecily Mbarire: She is the former long serving Runyenjes Member of Parliament.
She unsuccessfully contested for the Embu governor seat in last year’s polls.
Mbarire is now Jubilee nominated MP.