Even though ODM has announced plans to hold meetings to discuss who will be their flag bearer in 2022, We all know Raila Odinga will be in the ballot. – By Gerald Gekara.
Tinga, as he is commonly referred to, will square it out with the Deputy President, William Ruto who has so far amassed enough political shenanigans, and girth to take up the mantle as the fifth president.
And oh… whats that at the back? Kivutha Kibwana.. Alfred Mutua.. Joho.. and yes.. Kalonzo Musyoka, Mukhisa Kituyi, and Moses Weta.. Mudavadi.. clearly the list is long.
However, devout Christian and follower of his constitutional mandate Kivutha Kibwana would be an ideal candidate to correct the wrongs of the two horses, labelled classists and tribalists.
But there is a problem, Kivutha Kibwana is not known in Kenya. The quiet soul has been inactive in weighing in his personal views on national issues such as debt burden, taxation, corruption, unemployment and the unending tribal politics that reigns in Kenya.
Kalonzo Musyoka
This would be the discerning factor as compared to his lower eastern counterpart, Kalonzo Musyoka, whose political views, whether wavering or not, have been heard by the countrymen.
The wiper leader has made his stint at the presidency, only settling for a Vice president from 2008 to 2013.
However, this time, Wakili has vowed to derail the Ruto – Raila duel. Kalonzo has recently engaged in a tug of war with the wiper leader, over ownership of public land.
The engagement has since drawn Kalonzo out of the limelight, as the UDA party snakes its way into Kambaland to front for a hustler candidate in Machakos county.
Musalia Mudavadi
Presidential hopeful Musalia Mudavadi says he has the ideologies required to be the third horse that will win state house.
However, Musalia has barely left his hometown. With campaigns in western, which represents a paltry 20% of Kenya’s votes, Musalia may lose his bid tremendously.
His ‘save the economy’ talk has played its part in soothing the ears of Kenyans, whos campaign experience has only accept cash and populist agendas rather than ideologies anyway.
The trio, whos winning strategy imitates Senator Wetangula, suffers from a following. From handful rallies to rival local opinion pushers like COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, who derail their quest to unite their homeground.
Then we have the likes of Maendeleo Chapchap boss Governor Alfred Mutua, whos development track record is a shadow of his promises.
From an international standard Formula One track, to a dream city, ‘vipindire’ as he is commonly referred to, has got some big explaining to do as to why Machakos did not evolve into the dream city to live work and play in.
However, his political expression has tremendously improved with proper messaging as well as thoughtful statements concerning national issues.
Joho, who boasted of his colossal ascension to power, has been politically incapacitated. His kingdom is now under threat of an ugly take over by DP William Ruto. Msambweni success proved the ODM deputy’s unwavering support in the coast region is diminishing.
His fall has seen the rise of prominent voices in the coast; Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa, Teddy Mwambire, Mishi Boga alongside vocal governors Amason Kingi and Salim Mvurya.
Ultimately, the 2022 race is clear, the Deputy President William Ruto versus his arch-rival and former boss, Raila Odinga.
All we can call for is political tolerance and peaceful rallies within Kenyans, and a sense of responsibility in speech and action among politicians.
