As campaigns enter the homestretch on Sunday for the Kibra by-election, the race seems shaped to be a rehearsal for the 2022 General Election.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which has lost two by-elections this year and hopes to retain the Kibra parliamentary seat, unveiled its new allies on Saturday.
Absent on the podium were ODM’s former allies in the National Super Alliance — Moses Wetangula (Ford Kenya), Musalia Mudavadi (Amani National Congress) and Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Democratic Movement) — now seemingly replaced by fresh faces, all of them governors.
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Raila Odinga, the ODM leader, brought to the rally Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Ukambani leaders, Dr Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Prof Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni) and Ms Charity Ngilu (Kitui).
The three Ukambani governors have been closely working together, having put up an inter-dependent economic bloc to create jobs and promote trade.
However, their close ties have irked the perceived regional political supremo, Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who had Kibwana kicked out of the party for not toying the party line.
Waiguru, on the other hand, sparked national debate when she said that central Kenya is now ready for a Raila presidential candidacy despite being in the same party with Deputy President (DP) William Ruto.
Raila, who has not yet announced his candidature for the 2022 General Election, is expected by many supporters to be on the ballot where he will face off with his former ally, DP William Ruto.
Dr Ruto is seen as the man behind Jubilee Party’s Kibra candidate, former international football star McDonald Mariga.
The Deputy President is keen for a Jubilee win in what is largely perceived as an ODM stronghold.
With campaigns ending on Sunday, Ruto started the day off by attending a church service at Africa Brotherhood Church, Kibera, Laini Saba, Nairobi County.
Thereafter, he attended a Jubilee rally at DC Grounds in Kibra.
