Although the two deputy premiers both want to make it to State House in the March 4 poll, one of them must walk away with the coveted Jubilee Alliance flag bearer’s title.
Their fate lies in the hands of 4,500 delegates from The National Alliance (TNA) party, the United Democratic Forum (UDF) and the United Republican Party (URP), who will cast their votes at the Kasarani Gymnasium.
While Kenyatta is assured of the 1,500 votes from his TNA party, Mudavadi has equal support of 1,500 delegates from UDF.
But they will both have to compete for the remaining 1,500 votes from William Ruto’s URP.
NARC leader and one-time presidential candidate Charity Ngilu will also witness the nomination process alongside 200 other guests including dignitaries from the East African Community.
But she will only sign an agreement with the alliance, after she was effectively locked out of the nomination by the December 4 deadline for entering into pre-poll coalitions.
Ngilu initially appeared to be leaning to the Coalition for Reform and Democracy but backed out days later.
The choice of the Jubilee Alliance’s presidential contender has been clouded in controversy after indications that Kenyatta would abandon his bid for Mudavadi. He immediately faced a rebellion from TNA members.
Initial reports indicated that the alliance’s presidential primary nominations had been slated for Tuesday next week and only 2,800 delegates would participate.
TNA delegates will include those from the Party of National Unity together with other conservative parties while UDF will have delegates from KANU.