17/12/2025
The Speaker of the Senate is undeniably a political genius.
Back in 2012–2013, Mungaro was arguably more popular on the ground than Kingi. However, through negotiation and political strategy, Kingi convinced Mungaro to step aside and allow him to run for the Kilifi governorship under the ODM ticket. That calculated move paid off Kingi won.
Behind Kingi’s 2013 victory were key players, among them Owen Baya, who was later appointed as the first County Secretary an appointment that was not accidental but strategic.
Fast forward to 2017, Kingi was re-elected under the ODM ticket. One of the individuals who played a critical role in that victory was Kenneth Charo Kazungu, popularly known as Tungule.
From these scenarios, it is reasonable to conclude that Kingi entered into political agreements with these three gentlemen. Politics is about timing, and it may just be a matter of time before those agreements mature.
There is a strong possibility that, just as Kingi was supported at the right time, both Owen Baya and Tungule will, at their appropriate time, receive Kingi’s backing for the Kilifi governorship.
