The outgoing Gatanga MP David Murathe might be fighting for his political life if he meets the two-pronged challenge of controversial businessman Samuel Macharia and Kenya-Reinsurance corporation Chief Executive Peter Kenneth.

But both are yet to clearly state intent and even clarify the party ticket if, indeed, they are in the race. 

Mr Murathe, who has ditched Social Democratic Party for Kanu after joining the Uhuru Kenyatta bandwagon, nevertheless exudes confidence that he will resist any challenge. 

But the entry of either Mr Kenneth or Mr Macharia, or both, would keep him on his toes. 

Most speculation is on Mr Kenneth, who on the ground has been doing everything indicative of preparing for a parliamentary bid. But he has yet to come out clearly, and, notably, ignored the September 15 resignation deadline for public officers intending to run. 

But the deadline given by President Moi was not legally binding, and one can safely hold on until the last minute in time for the party nominations. 

Mr Kenneth, who in 1997 supported Mr Murathe, would be expected to go for the Kanu ticket considering his close links to the establishment, but he would be watching to see whether the incumbent gets any favour. Mr Murathe was one of the key opposition figures the larger Kiambu to rally behind Mr Kenyatta early on, and would expect some reward. If that gives access to the Kanu nomination, Mr Kenneth might well feel tempted to try out an alternate ticket. 

Then there is the controversial businessman S.K. Macharia of Madhupaper, Royal Card and Citizen Radio and TV fame. 

Mr Macharia put up a strong performance on the Kanu ticket in 1997, and would have everything in his favour if he is to vie. 

But after years of gravitating between Kanu and the opposition, his loyalties are uncertain. He has yet to declare a stand on either his party or whether he will be in the race, but he remains popular and influential in the constituency, and cannot be written off even at this late stage. 

Another contender for the Kanu nomination are Nairobi lawyer and businessman Mugo Mukunya, who made an unsuccessful bid for the ruling party's ticket in 1997.

Mr Mukunya, the proprietor of JKIA Resort club, is a former Gatanga Kanu sub-branch organising secretary, and might well lay claim to being more of a Kanu stalwart in the constituency than the others. 

There is also Thika businessman Joseph Kihiu, who claims to enjoy big following among the youth. 

From the opposition, a former legislator Robert Kinuthia Mungai will put in a strong challenge. The ex-MP for the former Makuyu Constituency is a large-scale coffee farmer and enjoys support from the locals.

Mr Mungai has not identified his party, but is certain to contest on an opposition ticket.

Mr Jerald Kabugi, who first contested the seat in 1997 on a Liberal Democratic Party ticket is also in the race looking at the National Rainbow Coalition ticket. 

His priority is to fight against rising school drop-out rate he partly attributes to poverty, land use and water.

The interest in Gatanga will be in the race for the Kanu ticket. If Mr Murathe, Mr Macharia and Mr Kenneth all go for it, there will be a major fallout, which may result in one or more of them trooping to the opposition.