Wiper laying ground for 2022 as game of cards begins

The decision by Wiper leaders to kick off campaign for Kalonzo Musyoka’s 2022 presidential bid is a definite sign that NASA coalition will not survive till 2022. The campaign that seemingly has the blessing of the party leader clearly shows that Wiper is ready to go it alone in the 2022 presidential elections. Also, their tone indicates that Kalonzo Musyoka will be the flag bearer in the event the NASA agreement flops.

The early announcement is also a sign of force. What is, however, very peculiar is that Wiper replaced the Secretary General Hassan Omar with Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana - which can be considered retrogressive for the party in terms of regional representation. From the outside, in terms of leadership, Wiper continues to look like a Kamba party and as an outfit focused on controlling the Ukambani region and not keen to garner support from other parts of the country.

Wiper also continues to hope that the NASA deal that intonates that the wiper presidential candidate will be next in line to be supported in 2022. But with the flop of ODM leader Raila Odinga to clinch the seat in 2017, a possible bulldozing by the Orange party for Raila to run again cannot be ruled out.

The 2022 contest, which many consider an opportunity to get rid of the Kenyatta and Odinga families from Kenyan politics, might see a number of newcomers angling for the big seat including Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua and former Meru governor Peter Munya who despite losing the Meru Governor seat, still remains relevant in Kenyan politics.

It might be premature to predict a front runner but what might be clear is the people’s silent conviction that 2022 might be the election that changes the political landscape.