With the Azimio la Umoja bash slated for Friday, Kenyans are eagerly waiting who ODM boss Raila Odinga will choose as his running mate.
Raila has billed the conference as a final demonstration of a united Kenya ahead of next year's elections.
He said his unity deal will become clearer during the final lap of regional consultations in Nairobi.
Is there a dream ticket, an obvious choice for running mate?
Since the March 2018 handshake with his partner President Uhuru Kenyatta, it's almost a sure bet Raila will pick a running mate from Mt Kenya region.
For the first time since the return of multiparty democracy, the Mountain has no strong presidential contender. Voter registration has been low, a sign of apathy.
For Raila, a Luo-Kikuyu combination would eliminate historical divisions that have existed since multipartyism. These tend to flare up during elections.
The 2022 race could be similar to the 2002 elections when the two communities came together.
The declaration of a running mate from the Mt Kenya region would evoke the ODM boss’s historic 2002 endorsement of Mwai Kibaki.
It is widely believed that whoever becomes Raila's running mate will automatically succeed President Kenyatta as the region's political kingpin.
And, of course, have a shot at the presidency in five years, assuming Raila will be too old to run.
The Mt Kenya region already has factions seeking endorsement as deputy president-in-waiting.
Among the frontrunners are Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyajui, his Laikipia counterpart Ndiritu Muriithi, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe and former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth.
Also mentioned are Agriculture CS Peter Munya and Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua.
Kenneth has a higher national appeal and tested performance as Gatanga MP. He is considered calm and collected. Leaders around Raila appear to consider him a clear favourite.
He led a delegation of Kikuyu elders to Raila’s Bondo home in a gesture to thaw the Luo-Kikuyu ties that were ruined by the Jaramogi and Kenyatta rivalry after Independence.
Kenneth is said to enjoy the backing of the powerful Mt Kenya Foundation club of wealthy businessmen, as well as that of influential nominated MP Maina Kamanda.
Last month, Kanu's Kiambu chairman David Mbiu asked Raila to consider Kenneth, or PK, as he is known, for the ticket.
“We want is a running mate from the Mountain. He or she must be known, respected, and approachable. He or she must have worked with the government and never been involved in any form of corruption, just like Peter Kenneth,” he said.
Kenneth has been seen several times in meetings with President Uhuru Kenyatta and the former Prime Minister.
PK is seen as a fresh and intriguing face on the national scene and has accompanied Raila to campaign rallies.
Murang'a, which is a key Kikuyu county, has never produced a president. Founding President Kenyatta and his son Uhuru are from Kiambu. Former President Mwai Kibaki is from Nyeri.
The choice of a running mate will help determine winning potential, credibility and the stability of the post-Uhuru regime.
Kinyanjui has supported the handshake and a Raila presidency. He is a constant around Raila during meetings both within and outside of the Mt Kenya region.
He has been drumming up support for Raila and hosted him for rallies in Nakuru county.
His base in the Kikuyu diaspora of Nakuru may not excite Mt Kenya, especially the Kikuyu of Kiambu, Nyeri, Murang'a, Nyandarua and Kirinyaga counties but he is a potential running mate.
Kinyanjui’s performance as a governor has been exemplary, leading the President to name the municipality a city.
Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua recently joined forces with the One Kenya Alliance team and has not declared she wants to be a running mate.
The former Justice minister looks perfect for the job but could also run for Kirinyaga governor.
Karua could bring gender parity, rights advocacy credentials, and toughness. But cynics see another Karua, a former Gichugu MP, and a 2017 Kirinyaga governor candidate.
Last month, political analyst and Uhuru’s technical adviser Mutahi Ngunyi suggested Raila would win the 2022 presidential race if he picked Karua as his running mate.
"At this rate, Raila will have to work very hard not to become President. Especially if he runs with 'happy birthday' Martha Karua. This #rarua ticket is the one. Think about it," he tweeted on September 22.
Another camp wants the position to go to Kagwe of Nyeri. Kagwe is said to be planning to launch his own presidential bid in the coming months as part of his plan to raise the stakes.
He has supported Raila’s presidential bid.
