Political observers opine that Deputy President William Ruto is the front runner in the 2022 presidential election, his State House juggernaut seems almost unstoppable.
The next natural question would be which other Kenyan politician has the political capital and wherewithal to challenge Dr Ruto at the ballot, the answer is as straightforward as it gets, it is Raila Odinga.
The Orange Democratic Party (ODM) leader celebrated his 74th birthday on Monday, most of his supporters would argue that he still has enough gas left in the tank to marshal a serious campaign to counter Dr Ruto who proved during the 2017 presidential polls that the adage age is just a number doesn’t suffice in politics with his unmatched energy levels.
Come 2022, Raila will be 77 years old, 21 more years than Dr Ruto will be at the time and 25 more years than President Uhuru Kenyatta was when he was first elected into office in 2013.
The other likely contenders are Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Amani National Congress (ANC) Leader Musalia Mudavadi and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi who will be 69,61 and 59 years old respectively.
Before the National Super Alliance (NASA) picked its presidential flag bearer in the build up to the 2017 presidential polls, Kalonzo famously asked his then fellow co-principals Raila, Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula to drop their bids and support him saying that it was the opportune moment for him since he was getting old adding that he was ‘the best person to deliver the presidency’ to the coalition.
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At the time, Kalonzo was 65 years old but he still noticed that he was not getting younger so what will voters make of Mr Odinga’s situation. Will he keep up with the pace of the younger and more energetic Dr Ruto?
However most of Raila’s political allies maintain he is the man to beat in 2022.
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During the burial of Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju’s brother Kefa Oduor in Rarieda County on Saturday, Siaya Senator James Orengo hinted that Raila will be in the ballot saying that he is the best option for the country.
The jury is still out on Odinga’s prospects come 2022 but by then, he will be old and the enthusiasm around his potential presidency will not be at its crescendo like it was six years ago.
