With reports indicating that after all he may have settled on running for Nyamira gubernatorial seat, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i evidently faces a tough task ahead of him.
Already, a source said, Matiang'i has planned a beehive of activities in the county as Governor John Nyagarama's succession takes shape, in which he plans to make Raila Odinga a regular visitor.
Viewed as an opposition stronghold, explained by Nyagarama's two conductive victories, the Jubilee allied politician has after all changed his tact.
One of the most cumbersome challenge will be his origin or clan, a factor that defines geopolitics in the larger Gusii.
With his parents having roots in Kisii, Matiang'i may find it difficult to convince a population in Nyamira, where he was born, about his candidature.
"It's not that easy. He will have a lot to explain about his Kisii County origin and believe me it won't be easy," observes Gideon Mamboleo.
Also, suiting geopolitics will have to include sourcing for a favourable party probably an opposition allied outfit.
To that effect, he is luring Raila and could go for something close to ODM party, but not the Orange party.
"An opposition party will do him favours given our geopolitics. We resonate well with Raila and he's favoured because by then Uhuru Kenyatta won't be in the scene," adds Mamboleo.
But working with Raila may also cause his challenges given that the ODM leader's party is likely to field a candidate.
Former Kitutu Masaba MP Timothy Bosire who doubles as ODM treasurer is said to be interested in the position thus complicating Matiang'i's matric.
By the fact that he hails from Borabu constituency, it again means he has to compete for home support with popular area MP Ben Momanyi, who has also declared an interest in the gubernatorial seat.
Whether he will succeed or not, the outspoken minister has a lot to do including intensive lobbying for pre-election deals.
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