The 2022 elections are not far as many of us think and while the focus is presently on 2017, there is need to take into consideration the political undercurrent that would shape the 2022 polls.
There have been speculations that Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho is among those who are likely to take over the leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) upon the foreseeable retirement of the Raila Odinga, though these facts are unprecedented.
During his time as ODM leader, Raila has lost some of the most influential leaders who once formed the Pentagon including current Deputy President William Ruto, Najib Balala, and Charity Ngilu among others, which has weakened his push for the presidency.
Ruto has also expressed interest in running for president in 2022, and is seen as a great challenge to Joho, adding to the possible fact that some leaders currently in ODM may decamp once he is “anointed” party leader.
Besides this, differences in political ideologies are very common when it comes to party leadership and incorporating ideas of more than 100 politicians. To come up with a final decision can be among the most daunting tasks that the Mombasa governor will face in his bid to unite the entire ODM brigade behind his candidature.
The coastal political kingpin has to play his cards very well lest he remains with an empty house.