As the clock ticks towards the 2022 General Elections, a significant storm is brewing in the Coast.
Three Governors, Amason Kingi (Kilifi), Hassan Joho (Mombasa) and Salim Mvurya (Kwale) will be exiting the scene after the end of their two terms. – By Ramadhan Kambi
Governor Mvurya openly declared his support for her Deputy Fatuma Achani for the seat after him, while Joho and Kingi have remained tight-lipped on whom they would like to support after their term ends.
That move has left a lot of jostling in Kilifi and Mombasa counties with allies of the two leaders trying to get an endorsement from them.
Not much will be anticipated in Taita Taveta, Lamu, and Tana River counties where incumbent Governors Granton Samboja, Fahim Twaha and Dhadho Godhana are expected to defend their seats.
Coat political analysts have cited that the three would push for their close associates’ win the coveted seats to continue with their legacy.
In Kilifi County, Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa have already declared their bid to vie for Governorship.
There are reports that Lands Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Gideon Mung’aro who came second in 2017 is also in the race.
The CAS has maintained silence although his close associates confirmed to Uzalendo News that he is eyeing the Kilifi gubernatorial seat in 2022.
“Mr Mung’aro is in the race for the top county seat. He came second after Governor Kingi and has a high chance of winning that seat,” said the confidant who sought anonymity.
As Deputy Party leader of ODM, Governor Joho has said that he will be going for the top office on the land (Presidency) in 2022 after he leaves Mombasa as a Governor.
During their swearing for the second term both Governor Kingi and Joho said they would go for the Presidency in 2022 after their term ends. They have since remained mum on the issue, keeping their supporters on the guessing line.
Halimu Shauri, a Professor of Sociology and the Dean at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Pwani University told Uzalendo news that the decision by Governor Mvurya to front her deputy for the top seat is based on Western style of democracy but with its huge effects on the African style of leadership and responsibilities.
“Governor Mvurya must know that by pushing people towards accepting Ms Achani to be the candidate in 2022 is literally exposing himself and it might not resonate well with the electorates.” He added.
“Kenyan voters needs to have their independent minds while electing their leaders and they should not be pushed by anyone. That is the reason that Governor Joho and Governor Kingi have remained mum on their people they will support to inherit them.”
“It is not African to start mentioning those that you prefer because that will bring in a lot of jittery which will not augur well with the leadership at place,” Prof Shauri told Uzalendo News in an interview.
