MP eyeing governor’s seat sleepless after smelling betrayal

MP in Turmoil as Party Shortlists Leave Him Out of Governor Race
A quiet political storm is brewing in one of Kenya’s counties, where a sitting Member of Parliament is reportedly losing sleep over his party’s manoeuvres. According to the Corridors of Power column in the The Star (September 22, 2025), the legislator has long nurtured ambitions to succeed as governor, but insiders now say his name is conspicuously absent from the inner-circle’s shortlist.
Tension has mounted in his camp as speculation mounts that the party chief may be grooming a surprise candidate for the high-profile county seat, prompting concern among his allies that loyalty alone might no longer be enough.
Sources close to the party say the MP’s omission may reflect shifting local alliances and strategic recalibrations ahead of the 2027 polls.
While exact details remain premium-content and unconfirmed, the report suggests the MP’s camp is questioning whether long-standing promises have been sidelined by newer political deals. The uncertainty is already affecting his campaign preparations, with murmurs of back-room negotiations and lists being drawn without his full input. According to party insiders, quiet panic is setting in among his supporters.
Reactions across the political spectrum vary: some commentators view the episode as a sign of ruthless internal party politics where aspirants are expendable if bigger strategic goals emerge. Others suggest it underscores the changing dynamics of county-level power, where junior politicians can be quickly bypassed by more favoured contenders. The sidelined MP’s camp is reportedly scrambling to reposition itself, weighing whether to fight for his place or cut a deal. The outcome may influence the internal cohesion of the party and the wider configuration of rivals in the county. Looking ahead, the path to the county seat now appears more complex than ever for the MP. How the party handles the process—whether through transparency or further exclusion—may determine both the aspirant’s future and the party’s local credibility.