Former Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Mwangi Thuita has stirred political waters in Laikipia County by declaring his intention to vie for the governor's seat.
Thuita announced his political debut last week, citing his vast experience in public administration.
He served in senior positions in the Government for over 20 years.
He is expected to run on a Jubilee Party ticket, further complicating the political equation of the county's gubernatorial race.
Political pundits say the entry of the former PS in the governorship race is a game changer.
Thuita joins a growing crowd of candidates, including the incumbent governor, Joshua Irungu, his deputy Gitonga Kabugi, former industrialisation assistant minister Ndiritu Muriithi, former county secretary, John Mwaniki and businessman Mburu Kamau.
Before his entry, Governor Irungu and former President Mwai Kibaki's nephew, Ndiritu Muriithi, were viewed as the front-runners in the race.
Not anymore.
Thuita's political advisers and business allies from both Nyahururu and Nanyuki town have been holding strategy meetings to plot the former PS's political debut.
They are telling other contenders to brace themselves for a tough battle.
"We have what it takes to give them a run for their money. Already, we have the support of the people," said Michael Mugo, one of Thuita's supporters.
Pundits say the race will now be a game of tactics.
"There are now three senior people in the race, the governor, Ndiritu and now Thuita. Laikipia people should expect a serious political battle," says political analyst and lawyer Martin Waichungo.
Thuita's political debut, he said, would also divide the votes from the populous Laikipia West.
The incumbent governor, Ndiritu, Mburu and Thuita come from the region.
Both Irungu and Ndiritu have downplayed Thuita's political ambitions.
"I am ready to face anyone in the race. I am sure that his (Thuita) entry will not change anything," said Irungu.
Ndiritu dismissed Thuita as an outsider in Laikipia politics.
"New comers in Laikipia politics will not be allowed to control the people," he said
