Former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth could after all carry the mantle for the entire Central Kenya region amidst bitter succession battles, multiple sources within the local media indicate.
While President Uhuru Kenyatta has not come out public on his preferred candidate, Kenneth appearance at a church function in Kapsaret on Sunday is said to have been planned by State House.
With youthful politicians lining up also to deputise Jubilee's candidate for 2022, William Ruto, Uhuru is however said to have interest in Kenneth, who at one point contested for presidency.
"The decision to have Peter Kenneth as chief guest at such a function in Deputy President William Ruto's home was not by chance.
"It was a well calculated move by State House to test waters and start positioning him for Ruto's running mate," said a senior politician from Mt. Kenya.
Equally, Uhuru's move could face stiff resistance given that a section of Mt. Kenya East leaders led by Muthomi Njuki now wants Central Kenya to back Kithure Kindiki in the DP's position.
At the event, Kenneth, who at one point differed with Ruto, said that he will make his decision by the end of the year.
" I was invited in the church function but politicians have turned it into politics and this is he sign of things to come," he said.