On Tuesday, February 8, the Court of Appeal delivered a ruling that ended the confusion on the resignation of civil servants and politicians ahead of the August 9 polls.
The three-judge bench led by the appellant court President, Justice Daniel Musinga ruled that all government officials vacate office six months before the General Election- by February 9.
This led to a mass exodus of appointees from President Uhuru Kenyatta's government, who have their eyes set on various political positions.
Politicians have begun forming and seeking new pacts and coalitions in a bid to increase their chances of forming Kenya's next government. Notably, in every election, there are various individuals who are considered as key influencers at regional and national levels.
Kenyans.co.ke has looked at some of these leaders, who, to the surprise of many, have decided to take a back seat in the upcoming General Election:
Moses Kuria
Gatundu Member of Parliament (MP), Moses Kuria, has gained traction and is among the most influential leaders from the Mount Kenya region. Kuria, who is currently serving his second term, was poised among the leaders to take over the regions leadership mantle from Uhuru.
While Kuria was linked to succeeding Kimani Wamatangi as Kiambu Senator, he declared interest in the presidency. However, in August 2021, he announced that he would not contest for any seat but would focus on popularising his Chama Cha Kazi party.
The election of George Koimburi as Juja legislator via a People's Empowerment Ticket in a contest where the ruling party, Jubilee, fronted a candidate, asserted Kuria's influence in the region.
Kuria was then PEPs leader before he was kicked out of the party.
Despite his announcement, political players still continue to front the Gatundu MP as a prospective running mate for Deputy President, William Ruto.
“I have decided, I will not vie for any political seat in the 2022 General Election. I am focused on building Chama Cha Kazi for the interest of Mt Kenya.
"All Presidential candidates should treat Mt Kenya with the seriousness it deserves. Going forward it will not be business as usual," Kuria asserted.
Ukur Yatani
Just like Kuria, Treasury CS Ukur Yatani has become an influential politician in the North-Eastern region and is considered one of its kingpins. While serving as CS, he championed the interests of the North Kenya, which has for the longest time been sidelined by the governments as reported by the CS himself.
He formed the UPYA party movement, which brought together leaders from the region. He also fought for the unity of all communities to speak with one voice as a block.
The pioneer governor of Mandera County was poised to run have a second stab at the county following the end of his tenure as CS. However, at midnight on the last day of resignation of government officials, Yatani announced that he had shelves his aspirations.
"Though fully aware of the enormous expectation by Marsabit residents to save them from their current predicament, I have reached a decision not to run in the forthcoming election. I shall endeavor to meet some of these expectations from my current national platform" he announced.
Peter Munya
Just like his Treasury counterpart, Agriculture CS Peter Munya also announced that he will not seek to unseat incumbent Meru Governor, Kiraitu Murungi.
Munya, who was expected to leave office to contest for the Meru County top seat, declared that he will continue to push for the realisation of Uhuru Big Four agenda.
"I know there have been speculations regarding my state of vying for Meru Gubernatorial aspirations. I have been reflecting on my political journey and talking to my supporters and looking at the current situation and I have come to a conclusion that at this point in time, the best strategic decision I can make is not to vie for the position in the coming election," he stated.
None the less, he declared support for the Azimio la Umoja front which is under the leadership of former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga. Munya also noted that he would revamp the Party of National Unity (PNU).
Ababu Namwamba
On February 10, Ababu Namwamba resigned as Foreign Affairs CAS. This was a day after DP Ruto appointed him to Head the International Relations department of his campaigns team.
Prior to his appointment CAS, Ababu served as MP for Budalangi before he lost to Raphael Wanjala who contested on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The vocal leader, will however, not make a return to active politics.
Speaking on January 14, Ababu refuted claims that he would be running for any elective seat. Instead, he vouched for Ruto.
“I am going to be working very closely with Ruto to deliver his presidency. I believe he offers this country a fresh beginning. I believe this country is at the cusp of a new start that has a paradigm shift in how the affairs of Kenya can be managed," Namwamba stated.
Eugene Wamalwa
Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa, who has been described by political pundits as a political survivor, will also not be throwing his hat in the political ring.
Despite being associated with newly formed Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), Wamalwa will not be joining the legislative arm of government. Just like the majority of CSs, he has declared support for Azimio.
Benjamin Washiali
Mumias MP, Benjamin Washiali, shocked members across the political divide when he announced that he would not seek a fourth term in office. According to Washiali, he felt that it was time for him to hand over the button to someone else.
“I felt I should give someone else an opportunity, I have had my time and strongly feel that I do not run out of ideas to stick on this position as if we do not have other people from Mumias who can try their bit,” the MP stated in an interview.
He further fronted the idea to have parliamentary terms limited to two as is with the presidential and gubernatorial seats.
“Our laws stipulate that the president and governors ought to retire after two years. I think it is common sense even for my colleagues in Parliament and county assemblies to enact and enforce the same,” he said.
Notably, Murang'a Woman Representative Sabina Chege, Meru Senator Kithure Kindiki Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu have also shelved their political ambitions to focus on national politics.
