political aspirants to the Nakuru governor’s seat have started realigning themselves ahead of next year’s general election.
The introduction of county governments has brought fresh impetus to the struggle for economic ownership and political control in the county between the dominant Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities.
Political pundits see the governor’s race as purely a Jubilee affair.
Elders’ councils and youth groups seem to be the favourite groups consulted by some aspirants.
Interested politicians, especially those in the governor race, have started selling their policies in earnest in the county’s most populous areas.
The areas include Nakuru town, which has two constituencies (Nakuru East and Nakuru West), Naivasha, Gilgil, Molo and Njoro.
Political forums in these areas have attracted new and seasoned politicians keen on running for governor.
Governor: Kinuthia Mbugua
Some county MPs and MCAs are said to be fronting individuals, including local businessmen to do battle with incumbent Kinuthia Mbugua, despite the governor’s popularity.
National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse chairman John Mututho was the first one to announce he will run for governor.
He announced in Nakuru town last year, saying Mbugua has failed to develop the county.
Mbugu told Mututho to concentrate on his role in Nacada.
Mbugua said his record speaks for itself and he has the experience required to manage serious county affairs.
Nakuru Senator James Mungai is also said to be interested in the seat.
TI chairman: Kinuthia Wamwangi
Some people are reportedly fronting the Njoro-born Transition Authority chairman Kinuthia Wamwangi, who hosted hundreds of elders in Nakuru town last year, when he was crowned a Kikuyu warrior.
He said, however, he is not interested in any elective post.
NTSA chairman: Lee Kinyanjui
National Transport and Safety Authority chairman Lee Kinyanjui may rely on his performance as former Nakuru Town MP and his role as peacemaker in a region that has witnessed electoral violence since 1992.
Although most aspirants, except Mututho, have not openly declared their candidature, elders and youths are said to have approached and requested them to vie.
Analysts say Mbugua may be enjoying political mileage because he is still in office.