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Who Will be The Next Governor of Murang’a? Here Are The Top Candidates [PHOTOS]

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Race to succeed incumbent Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria is taking shape silently with potential candidates exploring the grounds.

Wa Iria is serving his last term and now the question is; who is suitable to replace him?

Two of his fierce rivals in the last two elections are the frontrunners and more others are expected to throw their hat into the ring.

Incumbent Governor Mwangi wa Iria.

So who are expected in the race for the governorship here?

Dr. Moses Mwangi

The former CEO of Equatorial Nut Processor was Wa Iria’s fiercest opponent in the last two elections.

In 2013 and 2017 polls Dr Mwangi came second, and close to toppling the incumbent governor.

When Dr Mwangi worked for Equatorial Nut owned by Equity founder Peter Munga, his opponent Wa Iria worked as CEO of Freshco Feeds, a company also owned by Munga.

Dr Moses Mwangi.

Should he keep the oomph, he is very likely to be the next Murang’a boss.

Jamleck Kamau

The former Minister of Nairobi Metropolitan and Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau was a frontrunner for the Murang’a seat in 2017 polls.

The man who has President Uhuru Kenyatta’s ear is seen as a formidable leader to take leadership of Murang’a County in 2022.

He served as Kigumo MP from 2007 to 2013 then made a stab at gubernatorial post.

Jamleck Kamau with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

After he lost to Mwangi wa Iria, Kamau was appointed Chairman Tana & Athi River Development Authority by President in May last year.

Senator Irungu Kang’ata

The area Senator is gradually becoming a powerful leader to reckon with and his appointment as Senate Majority Chief Whip is a prove the top leadership is preparing him for something to come.

He has expressed interest to succeed the incumbent and many times have been in wrangles with him over the leadership of Murang’a.

Senator Kang’ata.

For some time he has been doing silent campaigns at the grassroots.

James Macharia

Transport Cabinet Minister James Macharia is reportedly eyeing the Murang’a gubernatorial seat once the President Uhuru Kenyatta term comes to an end.

Macharia has served in Uhuru’s cabinet in powerful positions for two terms.

He is slowly making inroads back home in Murang’a and being close to President, he is deemed a good candidate for the seat.

CS Macharia.

And indicator he is a preferred candidate is how Murang’a leaders led by Ndindi Nyoro fought back Nyali MP Mohammed Ali’s attempt to bring impeachment motion of Macharia.

Sabina Chege

Murang’a Women Rep has hinted at giving the county top seat a shot come 2022.

Sabina Chege.

Though it is not fully clear if she will go for the Senator or governor post, Sabina alias Maitu wa County (Mother of the county) cannot be ruled out of the seat.

Stanley Kamau

Ahadi Kenya Trust CEO Dr Stanley Kamau alias “Kamau wa Ndutu” has denied he is eyeing the governorship seat but his claims are seen as a decoy.

Dr Kamau with First Lady in a past event.

Lately Kamau has been involved in development projects in Murang’a and word has it he is testing water to see if he can vie come 2022.

Joseph Wairagu

Water and Sanitation Permanent Secretary Joseph Wairagu Irungu has been undertaking water projects in Murang’a in what is deemed starting to solidify support on the ground.

He has been in wrangles with Wa Iria over the drilling of boreholes and supply of piped water.

PS Wairagu.

Wairagu is playing behind the scenes to avoid being seen as doubling as civil servant and politicking but he too has interest in the seat.

Irungu Nyakera

The former Principal Secretary, State Department of Transport in the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing & Urban Development has hinted going for Murang’a governorship.