Africa-Press – Kenya. As the 2022 General Election draws closer, President Uhuru Kenyatta is staring at a slow pace in implementation of his legacy development projects as some of his Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and other top government officials resign to pursue political ambitions.
This is in line with the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) requirement for public servants to resign at least six months to the polls.
Among the Cabinet Secretaries eying political positions include National Treasury’s Ukur Yattani who is seeking to return to active elective politics, with hope of recapturing the Marsabit gubernatorial seat he lost in the 2017 elections to the incumbent Ali Mohamud Mohamed.
Agriculture CS, Peter Munya, who served as Meru’s first governor between 2013 and 2017 before losing to Kiraitu Murungi, is also reported to be eyeing the position.
Munya, who also served as the second chairman of the Council of Governors, has been active in drumming up support for the handshake between Uhuru and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga.
His Devolution counterpart, Charles Keter, who served as Kericho Senator before his appointment to Cabinet in 2015, is also in line to succeed Paul Chepkwony as the area Governor when his term comes to an end in August.
Water’s Sicily Kariuki is also reported to be eyeing the Nyandarua County gubernatorial position with an aim of unseating Francis Kimemia.
Defense CS, Eugene Wamalwa, who has not yet declared interest in any political seat, has been actively involved in the Raila Odinga campaigns.
Wamalwa, much as he can be described as a fence-sitter, was behind the formation of the recently unveiled Democratic Action Party (DAP-Kenya) that is led by Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi.
Wamalwa has also made countless appearances in political rallies, among them Azimio La Umoja’s launch at the Kasarani Stadium and Francis Atwoli’s Bukhungu II event in Kakamega.
Labour CS, Simon Chelugui, who has been under fire over the mistreatment of Kenyan workers in Middle East, is also eyeing the Baringo gubernatorial position.
Health’s Mutahi Kagwe is also seen as a favourite in the Nyeri gubernatorial seat as much as he has not made it public that he will be on the ballot come August 9.
Petroleum and Mining CS John Munyes, who unsuccessfully ran in Turkana against Governor Josephat Nanok, is also in the race for the county’s top job.
His Chief Administrative Secretary, John Mosonik, has also joined the Bomet gubernatorial race where he will face Chama Cha Mashinani’s Isaac Ruto and incumbent Hillary Barchok.
Other Principal Secretaries and Chief Administrative Secretaries who have hinted at contesting for various seats include Foreign Affairs CAS Ababu Namwamba, who has already thrown his weight behind Deputy President William Samoei Arap Ruto who is seeking to succeed Uhuru and become the country’s fifth President.
Already, Rift Valley Regional Commander, George Natembeya, has formally resigned to focus on his Trans Nzoia County gubernatorial bid. Natembeya is allied to the Democratic Action Party (DAP) Kenya, which has thrown its weight behind Raila Odinga’s Azimio La Umoja movement.
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