In 2015, a rumour started that the then Kisumu Senator Anyang' Nyong'o was earmarked for the county gubernatorial seat. One year later, the good professor confirmed the rumour. He was the one to root out the incumbent Jack Ranguma, the man he backed in 2013.
With NASA leader Raila Odinga's blessings, Prof. Nyong'o sent home Ranguma. And now attention shifts to 2022 where he is yet to declare his next political move. So what are some of the rectors likely to influence his re-election?
1.The Fred Outa factor: The Kisumu Senator was Prof. Nyong'o's right hand man throughout the 2017 campaign period. A master political operator in his own rights, Outa played key role in Nyong'o's election. And with himself harboring gubernatorial ambitions, can the former Nyando MP derail the Professor's election?
2. The impact of the Uhuru-Raila handshake: The famous President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila's political deal could be a game changer in Nyanza. The anti- handshake operators may use it to oust Nyong'o especially if it will not bring out desired results. Already, a good number of Kisumu politicians have questioned the deal which the Governor has of late been championing. Will it haunt him in future?
3. The Governor's own development record. When a politician of Nyong'o's calibre assumes a big office, people expect immediate results. After all, he is a tried and tested politician. His tenure as Planning Minister brought many economic reforms in Kenya. Will he replicate his success in Kisumu? Will he beat his predecessor on development front? Well time will tell.
For Nyong'o to be re-elected, he must be able to deal with Outa by either convincing him to wait or trouncing him in the ODM nominations. Nyong'o also needs to ensure that he leaves a clear development record that will endear him to Kisumu electorates.