The race for the 2022 General elections seem to be already heating up with various political leaders putting in place the various mechanisms and startegies that will help them emerge victorious.
The race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta is the most looked up to with a number of politicians led by DP William Ruto already declaring interest in the Presidential seat.
The latest to join the race is Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya. His entry into the race should however not be taken for granted.
Being development oriented, Oparanya will surely give his competitors a lot of headache.
His presidential bid is already reshaping the landscape in Western Kenya and has rattled powerful political figures eyeing State House.
To confirm his level of seriousness, Oparanya has already established a full-fledged presidential secretariat in Nairobi’s upmarket Kilimani Estate and hired researchers and political advisers three and a half years to the polls.
Sources close to his team said the former minister and second-term governor has also acquired a chopper, joining the privileged sky team club. The size of his financial war chest is not publicly known, but an MP from the county said the reclusive governor has suddenly become “philanthropic”.
Deputy President William Ruto is said to be courting Oparanya as a potential running mate and his critics say the DP has a hand in the governor’s renewed political activities and higher profile.
Oparanya yesterday rubbished any links to the DP, saying he is his own man. His profile has been growing, leading to his overwhelming election as CoG boss.
The obvious casualties of Oparanya’s political moves are his ODM party boss Raila Odinga, ANC leader and regional kingpin Musalia Mudavadi and Ford Kenya’s Moses Wetang’ula.
Raila has successfully controlled the region’s vote basket, essentially making it his stronghold in three consecutive polls. For 15 years, he has enjoyed the loyalty of Oparanya and other Western leaders.
Oparanya, a former Planning minister, and his Mombasa counterpart Hassan Joho are among the few leaders who have stuck with Raila since his botched 2007 presidential bid.
They were rewarded with deputy party leadership positions, making them Raila’s de-facto seconds in command. Both now have their eyes trained on the top job.
Do You think Oparanya can mount a worthy challenge to other Presidential Aspirants come 2022?