Politician Peter Kenneth's possible entry into the 2017 Nairobi governor race will shake up the scene, an MP has said citing his work history.
Kenneth, who is former Gatanga MP, said he will not vie for the presidency but will consider the county boss post as he has been approached.
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Incumbent Governor Evans Kidero will face off with politicians including Johnson Sakaja, Senator Mike Sonko, former Devolution CS Anne Waiguru and Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru.
Kidero has been certain about re-election but Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan said in an interview on Monday that
Kenneth's bid will greatly change city politics.
"I worked with Kenneth when he was assistant minister. I know he will be a very serious candidate should he decide to vie in Nairobi," he said.
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Kiharu MP Irungu Kang'ata also supported politician's candidature saying his experience and
achievements in and out of Parliament will be a plus for Nairobi residents.
"I do not support
Kenneth
because he comes from Murang'a or because he is Kikuyu," said
the Murang'a Senator hopeful.
"I believe in his leadership style and his track record. The Nairobi solution lies with Kenneth... I hope
Kidero is ready to prove what he has done for the people."
Brian Weke, former aspirant for the Embakasi West MP seat,
said Kenneth's move would propel him to being the next Mt Kenya leader after President Uhuru Kenyatta retires from politics.
"Kenneth has
realised
that he needs to support Uhuru in 2017 because it springs him to the national
platform," he said.
"Just like Uhuru did in 2007, foregoing his candidature and supporting Kibaki, Kenneth can achieve this because of his good
character and demeanor. He is a suitable leader."
But Nairobi Deputy Governor Jonathan Mueke said Kenneth's interest in the seat was far-fetched.
"In the last election
Kenneth got 72,000 votes as a presidential candidate. That is not going to help because in Nairobi he needs to make us understand how he is going to achieve one
million votes," he said.
"The former MP is
just trying to get a job, hoping to be the next Mt Kenya leader. This will not be at the expense of the people of Nairobi."