Could a Gideon – Joho ticket win in 2022?

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi (left) shaking hands with Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho (right)

It is a necessary evil to entertain the thought of yet another emotive, spirited and closely monitored election cycle in Kenya during the presidential race 2022.

Only this time the players are not only looking to succeed their masters, but also fit right into their political scheme. 

Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) Deputy Leader and Mombasa County Governor Ali Hassan Joho, who fate and circumstance conspired to thrust into national politics, has for a time expressed his desire to seize the presidency. 

Baringo Senator, Gideon Moi, who happens to be the son of Kenya’s second president Daniel Moi, has had endorsements from Meru elders and other leaders from without the Rift Valley region which is former president Moi’s turf. 

Recently, Joho made a trip to former president Moi’s Kabarak home similar to that of Raila Odinga and the botched visit that deputy president Ruto made earlier in the year. 

It is believed that among the issues that were up for discussion was the 2022 presidential race and that Mzee Moi might have then had the chance to present his son Gideon as his ideal choice for president leading Joho to settle for the deputy president’s position.

Power-brokering in politics needs just the right people offering covert influence, without which a lone politician cannot stand. From what I gather, all who have ascended to power have had to be propelled from behind the throne. 

Gideon Moi, Former President Moi and Hassan Joho at Moi's Kabarak Home (from left)

Kabarak, for the moment, appears to be where the right person lives. 

For a politician of Gideon Moi’s stature, who has proven to have very high approval ratings (ahead of seasoned politicians like Musalia Mudavadi, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetangula who have previously contended for presidency), one must agree that if he began actively campaigning for the seat, then he would be the man under a lucky the lucky star.

In an event that the duo (Gideon and Joho) make a pact, then Kenyans already have a two horse race set and ready. The other horse coming from the Ruto-led team.

Looking at my crystal ball, Gideon-Joho pact have what it takes, and by that I mean; they inspire loyalty because they too have been loyal to a fault: Gideon to KANU and Moi and on the other hand Joho to ODM and Raila. 

Gideon Moi (center) flanked by Hassan Joho (right) and Mombasa County deputy governor William Kingi

Another political advantage is the financial muscle required for campaign, the necessary community reach out which provides the popular appeal and to add on to that, each have charisma.