Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko with President Uhuru Kenyatta at a past event. [Photo/Zipo.co.ke]
On a recent trip to Muran'ga, President Uhuru Kenyatta appeared to declare his choice for the holder of the Nairobi governor position.
He asked residents to ensure that they support their 'son' (Peter Kenneth) to enable him clinch the city's top post.
This comes amidst a fierce tussle between Nairobi senator Mike Sonko and Peter Kenneth. Before Kenneth came into the picture, it was thought that Sonko would be the obvious choice to fly the Jubilee flag in Nairobi. He was also considered the most likely candidate to toss out incumbent Evans Kidero.
It is important to remember that Sonko garnered the highest number of votes in the country after Uhuru Kenyatta and DP Ruto. It is also unwise to ignore Sonko's popularity especially among 'low class' citizens. This therefore begs the question why Uhuru would sacrifice his long term and trusted lieutenant for someone who run against him in 2013. Two things stand out.
Kikuyu business men. These are the people who run Nairobi. They are also said to have a good say in State House. With their 99 year lease on property in Nairobi downtown expiring, the Kikuyu businessmen need someone who can protect them and create an enabling environment for them to keep their hold on the city. Sonko, being a wild card, is not very enticing to them. They need 'one of their own'.
Mount Kenya succession politics. With the constitution barring Uhuru from going for a third term, the Mt.Kenya region needs a plan. Having Kenneth at the helm of the capital city clears the path for another Kikuyu to get into the house on the hill.
This is however lost on other players in the Jubilee government. If Kenneth does not clinch the Nairobi seat, these plans will be seriously thwarted and will remain just that, plans.
The only way Kenneth could win is if Sonko throws his weight behind him and supports him wholly. Meanwhile, Sonko would have to settle for a measely cabinet position created by Uhuru for him. If he stands his ground and runs as an independent, then Kenneth and Kidero better start packing.