Mutua-Gideon meeting inflame 2022 succession debate

The lunch meeting between Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua last week has caused many ripples in the local political scene.

Though Dr Mutua said in his post that it was an ordinary gathering between two like-minded people, pundits say it had everything to do with the 2022 succession elections.

Mr Moi has constantly been prodded by his Kanu party to go for the top seat after President Uhuru Kenyatta's exit, but he is yet to come out strongly on the issue.

On the other hand, Dr Mutua has already declared his interest to contest the presidency in 2022 under his Maendeleo Chap Chap party.

LIFESTYLE AUDIT

The Machakos county chief has also mounted a relentless anti-corruption crusade that has not gone down well with his detractors, who feel that he is targeting top politicians in President Kenyatta's administration .

Dr Mutua's call for all top politicians and civil servants to be subjected to a lifestyle audit was echoed by the President himself.

The 'friendship' between Mr Moi and Dr Mutua has ruffled Deputy President William Ruto's camp, which has already started consolidating national support for his presidential bid in 2022.

Being the son of former President Daniel arap Moi, Senator Gideon's dalliance with any politician is always viewed with keen interest.

VOTES

Also, Mr Moi and DP Ruto are strange bedfellows. A coalition between Kanu and Dr Mutua's party could change the political landscape not only in the Rift Valley but in Eastern as well, which could dilute DP Ruto's support base.

The "handshake" between President Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga has not only eased political tension in the country but has also put many politicians in awkward positions.

The Gideon liaison has also been spreading like wild fire as the two politicians have extended their 'friendship' to other politicians who had previously been regarded as their foes.

Mutua recently had lengthy discussions with a senior adviser of Mr Odinga, Mr Jakakimba, at his Machakos office; while Mr Moi now finds himself at ease with Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho.

These recent developments are definitely worrying the Deputy President, as his gains in opposition strongholds.

CAMPAIGN

Those privy to Dr Mutua's inner circle say the Deputy President has stationed foot soldiers in Ukambani to keep the Machakos Governor busy.

Recently, 12 members of the county assembly released a statement backing the Deputy President's 2022 presidential bid.

They accused Dr Mutua of waging war against Mr Ruto, and of using an anti-corruption crusade to boost his national stature.

Reportedly, Dr Mutua has never mentioned the DP as being behind the 'outside forces' that were pouring money in Machakos to cause political upheaval and trying to portray him as being embattled.

Speaking to the press recently in Machakos, Dr Mutua said his presidential bid had caused jitters among other aspirants but he will not be cowed.