[President Uhuru Kenyatta in a past event. Political analyst Peter Kagwanja has tipped three people who could inherit his Mt. Kenya support. Photo/Nation]
Mwangi Kiunjuri, Kiraitu Murungi and Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia are at pole position to inherit President Uhuru Kenyatta as Mt. Kenya’s de facto leaders, says political analyst Peter Kagwanja
Having taken oath of office, Uhuru will not be on ballot in 2022 elections given the strict constitutional dictates.
“So far, no one has shown that vigour to run as William Ruto’s deputy in 2022. But we have a few who can stand in,” Kagwanja says.
With intensive lobbying on cabinet slots on a high notch, Kiunjuri is facing a lot of resistance from Mt. Kenya politicians who view him as an outsider.
But according to Kagwanja, the three politicians could fight for the top post given their long experience on how government runs.
“Mwangi, Kimemia and Murungi have been in government and politics. They stand a good chance to inherit Uhuru’s voting block but it depends on how to approach the issue,” adds Kagwanja.
While Kiunjuri is waiting for the final selection of Cabinet Secretaries, Kimemia and Murungi are serving as governors in Nyandarua and Meru respectively.
Surprisingly, the Sunday Nation reports that a section of Mt. Kenya leaders are pushing for inclusion of William Kabogo in cabinet, another possible successor of Uhuru.