Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has hit the campaign trail as the city prepares for a by-election.
Sources indicate that Sonko has plans to scuttle any plans by President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga to front a ‘handshake’ candidate for the seat.
The seat was left vacant following the impeachment of Sonko last week Thursday.
Sonko is rallying up his support base to back an opposition candidate, especially one that will be fronted by Deputy President William Ruto.
Sonko started his campaigns in Starehe Constituency on Sunday and said that he will tour over 15 other constituencies to rally his base. He also initiated a food drive to help families during the Christmas festivity.
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In a video posted on his social media handles, the outspoken leader affirms he is ready for any election.
"We are strong and we are ready for the by-election," said Sonko.
Sonko is likely to support former Starehe MP, Bishop Margaret Wanjiru. Wanjiru has since confirmed that she would vie on any seat that DP Ruto will front her.
It is not yet clear whether Ruto will support her to run under the Jubilee ticket as Kenyatta and ODM are preparing to front a joint candidate.
"I work with Ruto, so I will vie with the Hustler Nation team. We work with what wananchi say. The people have decided it's me and it is up to them to decide the ticket I will use," Wanjiru said.
Suba East MP Junet Mohamed confirmed that Jubilee and ODM have not yet met to discuss how to approach the by-election.
However, ODM is reported to be ready to support a Jubilee candidate as a way of returning a favor to Kenyatta's party.
In the upcoming Nairobi elections, ODM has allegedly been promised to take the Deputy Governor position as Jubilee seeks to retain the Governor seat.
Several names have been floated for the handshake candidate, from former Presidential candidate Peter Kenneth, former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo, Head of Presidential Delivery Unit Nzioka Waita, and Dennis Waweru.
Exiled lawyer Miguna Miguna has already expressed his candidature for the seat
On Monday morning, Nairobi county speaker Benson Mutura was sworn in as the acting governor for 60 days until teh by-election is held.
