BY JEFF OTIENO.

Many political pundits argue that Nairobi governor race will be one of the most grueling political duels to remember come 2012.

So far three candidates have declared their interests for the seat and among them are industrious and pragmatic Mumias Sugar Chief Executive Dr. Evans Odhiambo Kidero, Nairobi business tycoon Jimna Mbaru and city Town Clerk Phillip Kisia and the list may still expand before the next poll.

Of the three, Evans Kidero and Jimna appears to be locked up in a tight race owing to their financial muscles, well structured campaign machinery and sound academic credentials.

Jimna Mbaru is a Nairobi University graduate with a commerce degree and a lecturer.

He’s associated with a galaxy of businesses both locally and internationally with a sound management to match.

In the political circles, he’s also a brain to rely upon when there’s a crisis. Mbaru hails from Nyeri president Mwai Kibaki home turf.

Dr. Evans Kidero is a Nairobi University Graduate with a degree in clinical pharmacy. He’s also a proud holder of MBA from one of the prestigious universities in London.

In the business circles, he’s a force to reckon with webbing his wings strongly in real estates and entrenching massively in key financial institutions. As Mumias Sugar CEO, he has put unrivalled bench marks worthy of a manager. He is also credited for revamping the dwindling football standards in the country after being prevailed upon by the government to be the chairman of the management board.

His admirers and associates have launched a vibrant campaign panel (EK CENTRE) situated at up market Kileleshwa Nairobi. The team comprises influential individuals drawn from the private sector, former Mps and Ministers and a clique of clergy from various denominations to propel him to glory. Every fortnight the panel sits to review and strategize and allowances religiously dished, as a token of appreciation to keep the oil burning.

Kidero will also rely on his father in laws legacy the late Thomas Joseph Mboya whose vibrant days in the early 60’s still lingers.

Nairobi Town clerk Phillip Kisia who is considered by many to be the darkest lame duck in the race hails from Hamisi constituency. He attended Semende Pri. School and later Chesamis High School where he also did his A levels.

Kisia dint qualify to join the University but made timely move to join Utalii College where he did catering and later rose through the ranks, thanks to his never say die attitude to become head of sales at SAROVA Group of Hotels.

He’s a go getter and very polished man but education background may be an harbinger according to some observers. At best he is good as a running mate and that must be his game plan opines his critics.

“Nairobi as a county is set to control trillions as it’s annual budget and therefore it requires a reputable manager to manage the massive funds argues Tom Alila who is a Nairobi businessman and Kanu Politician”.

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