The race for Nairobi governorship is bound to be a bruising one after Jubilee Party set the tempo by picking Vivo Energy Managing Director Polycarp Igathe as Mike Sonko’s running mate.
Sonko clinched the Jubilee party ticket during the primaries beating his closest rival Peter Kenneth.
The city’s governorship is such an important point of Jubilee’s governance that top State House operatives were tasked by President Uhuru Kenyatta to pick a running mate for Sonko.
The Star reports that Uhuru’s private secretary Jomo Gecaga and Solicitor General Njee Muturi were the men behind the picking of Igathe.
The Vivo Energy MD has also been serving as President Uhuru Kenyatta’s adviser on Energy matters.
The 44-year old is a holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Sociology from University of Nairobi.
He has received several accolades for his outstanding performance in his managerial job.
Igathe, before moving to Vivo Energy, served as the Managing Director and Executive Director for Haco industries owned by business magnate Chris Kirubi.
He is credited with the rebranding and turnaround of the company to Haco Tiger Brands which is now a pan-African business entity raking in billions of shillings.
His entry to Nairobi politics augurs well for Jubilee administration given his extensive international links with investors.
Sources indicate that Sonko will be handling political matters of the county while Igathe takes control of the county’s resources.
In a running mate poll held on facebook by Sonko who has a following of over one million Kenyans, Igathe emerged top garnering 64 percent.
He has since told his staff at Vivo Energy of his entry to politics but will work with them through the year as the organization positions itself to find a person to take over his office.
With the duo on Jubilee’s ship, the race to City Hall has set off on high gear.