Nairobi Deputy Governor Anne Kananu has declared that she will be contesting for the gubernatorial seat in the capital come 2022.
The Deputy Governor warned her potential political opponents to brace themselves for a tough fight on the ballot. She said she will not be a political pushover as she is determined to keep the seat even beyond her current term.
"Hata 2022 niko kwa debe, wakidhani naingia nitoke, nimeingia nikae. Nitapambana nao (I will be vying in 2022. For those who think I am only here for a little while, I am telling them that I am here to stay. We shall faceoff," she declared during a function on Friday, March 26.
She further thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga stating that she was the first beneficiary of the handshake.
This is the first time Kananu is making a public declaration regarding the hotly contested seat - one that has attracted interests from far and wide.
Kananu took over the county leadership after the impeachment of Mike Sonko who is facing various charges in court.
In a previous interview, Sonko stated that he would not vie for a second term as governor after unseating Evan Kidero in the 2017 polls.
"I want to leave a legacy because I will not be running for a second term. I have never run for the same office twice in my political life, so why should this be the first time?
"I will deliver and leave an efficient office for Nairobians then move on to the next assignment for Kenyans," he stated in the 2018 interview.
He, however, was unable to complete his term in office following his impeachment from office.
One politician who has declared interest in the Nairobi Gubernatorial seat is the current Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who in 2018 exuded confidence that he would take over the reins.
"I will not just vie for the gubernatorial position; I will be the governor of Nairobi County after the 2022 elections. I am the only hope for the residents of Nairobi and in the future, I will also lead Kenya as its president," he stated.
The Nairobi gubernatorial race is expected to attract political powerhouses as the general elections near.
