Since the socio-economic situation in Kazakhstan remains complicated, a new wave of personnel switching and resignations is inevitable in fall; one of those the head of the state might send for a deserved rest is akim of east Kazakhstan oblast Daniyal Ahmetov.

Ahmetov is turning 63 on June 15 2017, but it isn’t only about age. Muhtar Kul-Muhamed, current first deputy head of Nursultan Nazarbaev at his party, is looking to take over Daniyal Kenjetaevich’s  position.

Based on data from informed sources, Kul-Muhamed would like to temporarily go into political shadows, because the story with the former deputy head of Kazakhstani administration Baglan Maylibaev, who was under his patronage, had a very negative impact on his image and personal authority. Thus, he has to sit through the tough times and better yet, away from the capital, and the seat of the akim of east Kazakhstan oblast fits him great.

The only problem is that Daniyal Ahmetov is not looking to retire, and he has a support in Akorda. Former prime minister of the republic is being protected by chairman of Majlis of parliament Nigmatulin. The thing is that Malika Bekturova, his niece, currently serving as a deputy akim of Astana, is married to Azat Bekturov, niephew of Daniyal Ahmetov.

Knowing how familial relations work in Kazakhstan we can assume that Ahmetiv has high chance of keeping on to his seat. This of course, if no large-scale corruption or related scandal takes place. For example related to bids on government orders from oblast budget or to double-citizenship of certain individuals from Ahmetov’s entourage. In any case, inter-elite struggle for the seat of akim of east Kazakhstan oblast likely won’t be swept under a rug and can spill outwards in the form of media wars, public protests from certain population groups, etc. In any case, final decision will be up to Nazarbaev.