THE 2017 political field is becoming increasingly crowded, with influential old-guard operatives seeking a comeback after losing out at the last elections.
After spending years out in the political cold, many politicians regarded as heavyweights are angling for various positions to salvage their stalled careers.
Most are seasoned politicians who have cultivated campaign networks in their respective regions and carry brand names that can be sold more easily to the electorate than those of most newcomers.
Former Kwanza MP Noah Wekesa, who wants to return as Trans-Nzoia governor, said it is normal for former politicians to seek reelection.
"We have served extensively in government and want to share our expertise and accountability from the national level to the grassroots," he said in an interview.
Wekesa, who seeks to unseat Governor Patrick Khaemba, rationalised that the people who have served as politicians and government officials have immense experience coupled with good networks to champion Kenyans' interests at the county level.
Former Bumula MP Bifwoli Wakoli is eying the Bungoma Senate seat.
Kanu secretary general and former Bomet MP Nick Salat wants to be Bomet senator, and has pledged to ensure the Senate serves Kenyans competently. Salat is a trusted ally of Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, who promises the future of the Rift Valley and Kenya is in Kanu.
"Our call for electoral reforms should not be an excuse for the current politicians to stay at the National Assembly. When their term expires, they must respect Kenyans and go home to seek reelection," says Salat.
Political scientist Adams Oloo says "once a politician always a politician".
"Politicians never accept defeat and they will always have excuses once they lose. But as long as they are strong, they can talk and run – expect them to be active," says Oloo.
Oloo adds that many factors, such as clan, financial muscle, tribe, policy, status and age will dictate politicians' fortunes next year.
A good number of politicians the Star interviewed allege they failed failed to win at the last elections because of vying on the tickets of unpopular parties.
"It won't be an easy fight since young people are also smart and well-prepared for the elections," said Oloo.
Many of the poll losers enjoy lucrative jobs in government and were reluctant to comment on their plans. They instead promised to campaign for President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto's reelection.
"I am still thinking about being on the ballot paper, but I am ready to campaign for the reelection of my President," says former Kikuyu MP Lewis Nguyai.
Nguyai was defeated in 2013 by Kimani Ichung'wah. He promised to respond to questions after his contract at the board of the Local Authorities Provident Fund comes to an end.
Nguyai is alleged to be torn between the Kikuyu parliamentary seat and the senator position held by Kimani Wamatangi.
Others who have not officially announced the seats they are interested in include former Yata MP Charles Kilonzo, who is mulling over whether to defend his old seat or go for Machakos governor. Former Kathiani MP Wavinya Ndeti and East Africa Legislative Assembly Member Peter Mathuki are also interested in becoming Machakos governor.
Former Kibwezi MP Philip Kaloki and former Kitui East MP Isaac Muoki have not declared the positions they are eying, despite actively taking part in politics at the grassroots.
Narc party leader Charity Ngilu is assembling a team to seek election in Kitui as governor.
"The electorate remains my bosses and I am waiting for them to decide," former Cabinet minister Franklin Bett, who wants to become Kericho governor, said.
Bett vied for governor on the ODM ticket, which he believes was unpopular in Rift Valley. Current Governor Paul Chepkwony will defend his seat against Bett and suspended NSSF Managing Trustee Richard Langat.
"I have to ensure President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto win the elections since Cord is not prepared and the principals will part ways due to the nomination struggle," Bett said.
Former Cabinet minister Henry Kosgey will seek to unseat Nandi Governor Cleophas Lagat.
In Nyandarua, former assistant minister Muriithi Nderitu will campaign against former Head of the Public Service Francis Kimemia to seek to oust incumbent Governor Daniel Waithaka Mwangi.
Former Cabinet minister Njeru Ndwiga is also eyeing the Embu Senate seat.
Former Cabinet minister Kazungu Kambi is interested in ousting Governor Amason Kingi in Kilifi.
Political analyst Washington Makodingo says most of the old guard are career politicians who can't quit elective politics. He adds that a good number are also taking part in elective politics to seek relevance at the grassroots as well as the national levels.
Makodingo argues many politicians use unpopular parties as exit strategies to quit elective politics and blame the party for not winning, following poor performance when they served in office.
He adds that many people in opposition strongholds join Jubilee, which is the government, hoping to be funded and make good money.
"When your party forms the government and you vied in an opposition stronghold but failed to be elected you can ask for a job and still remain relevant at the national level," Makodingo said.
Traditionally most plum jobs in ministries, parastatals, embassies and other leading government institutions have been set aside for politicians who fail to get reelected.
Constitutional expert Njuguna Ndung'u says politics has become a lucrative business to access kickbacks from the government. Ndung'u says devolution increased opportunities for people out to seek elective posts.
"When you announce you are leaving the opposition and lie to the public that you will leave together with your community, your value goes up and you can make a killing," says Ndung'u.
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