Stephen Makabila
With the creation of a Senate –– which is expected to be powerful –– and the positions of governorship, politicians will be spoilt for choice. This, however, poses a headache for those who have been MPs and ministers.
Given the powers Cabinet ministers enjoy, political observers say many would be divided on which positions to go for.
Among positions that will be contested for are the presidency and the deputyship. The two positions require two politicians to pair up as running mates. If they do not win, they risk being relegated to political doldrums because they will not be allowed to contest for other seats while seeking the top jobs.
The top two positions will therefore require a lot of soul-searching, consulting and weighing of one’s chances. "The era of running for presidency for the purpose of making history is gone. The race now belongs to serious candidates who are convinced and ready to take the risk because after losing, you remain an ordinary citizen," says University of Nairobi political scientist Dr Adams Oloo.
Besides MPs, senators and governors will also face the ballot. Voters will elect 290 MPs, 47 senators and 47 governors in the next elections.
With power the main goal, there are suggestions current MPs may want to be senators or governors.
The Committee of Experts proposed a powerful Senate, in line with democracies that have embraced a pure presidential system of government.
Candidates for the 47 Senate seats are likely to be people with influence across districts.
Political observers and legal experts say deciding on what positions to go for may be dictated by the power to be wielded, cost of campaign, ability and personal pride.
"Some of the ministers may opt to become senators because each county will have several constituencies under it or go for governorship to feel powerful," says Lawyer James Mwamu.
There are those who feel the cost of contesting a Senate seat will be prohibitive to some candidates, including ministers who are not well endowed financially.
"A county like Kakamega with nine constituencies or Bungoma with six constituencies will need someone with massive resources to mount a serious campaign," points out Moi University’s Dr Masibo Lumala.
Serving and former ministers have already shown interest in contesting for either senate seats or governorship.
Housing Minister Soita Shitanda who is also Malava MPs has already declared he will be contesting for the Kakamega county Senate seat.
Assistant Minister George Khaniri who is the Hamisi MP said he has his eyes on Vihiga County.
In Elgeyo-Marakwet, Francis Mutwol is eyeing the senator’s seat. Former Turkana Central MP Emmanuel Imana also said he would give the Senate a try.
In Murang’a, Environment and Natural Resources Minister John Michuki is said to be among those who will contest for the governor’s slot. In Bungoma, speculations are rife that former Trade and Industry Minister Dr Mukhisa Kituyi would be going for the governor’s position.
