Political analysts say Ann Kananu is a perfect example of individuals who were used to achieve a particular political objective and then rendered politically irrelevant. As things stand now and after Jubilee mockingly placed her number seven in the list of nominated Senators knowing so well that the party could not win senatorial seats to guarantee them seven or so nomination slots, her political career has come to an abrupt end
Former Nairobi City County Governor Ann Kananu’s political history resembles that of Simon Makonde. Those with a good memory will recall that she was used by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga in ousting Governor Mike Sonko from office. The reality is that she became a victim of use and dump by the Azimio leadership.
Politically speaking, Kananu had never imagined or ever dreamt of becoming governor anywhere in Kenya. It was Mike Sonko who gave her a job as Chief Officer in charge of Disaster Management and Coordination. In Sonko’s game plan to remain relevant without being governor, he nominated Kananu as deputy knowing well that she would be rejected by members of the county assembly.
However, when Mike Sonko was arrested and charged, Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga’s handlers saw an opportunity to use Kananu to settle political scores with Sonko. The county assembly endorsed her as the Deputy Governor and later Governor.
All said and done, the big question now is what does the political future hold for her? Analysts say she is a perfect example of individuals who were used to achieve a particular political objective and then rendered politically irrelevant. As things stand now and after Jubilee mockingly placed her number seven in the list of nominated Senators knowing so well that Jubilee could not win senatorial seats to guarantee them seven or so nomination slots, Kananu’s political career has come to an abrupt end leaving her with no hope in politics.
Political analysts however say that had Raila Odinga won the presidency, she could have landed a state appointment either as an envoy or Principal Secretary but all that is now water under the bridge. Pundits however say that Kananu still has several options. One, she can swallow her pride, reach out to President William Ruto and join Kenya Kwabnza and be offered a state job. But another big question is whether she has a constituency to bring on board to Kenya Kwanza, the answer is an emphatic no!
Another option for Kananu is to go back to her Embu rural home and identify a parliamentary seat and contest in the 2027 elections. Those who have been monitoring her political moves of late say that she has lost political connections as well as friends and spends most of her time running her private businesses.
