Though he has lately reduced politicking in his functions, DP William Ruto has specifically earmarked South Nyanza as a region of interest in his 2022 quest.
For the last two weeks, Ruto has pitched tent in South Nyanza including unsettled Migori, Kisii and Nyamira Counties with his latest tour being at Kisii on Saturday.
Jointly, the three regions are projected to have a whopping 1.7 million votes by 2022 and they have traditionally backed opposition leader Raila Odinga.
On top of Ruto's pointmen is estranged Migori Governor Okoth Obado, who recently took Ruto around South Nyanza after a short stint at prison.
Mr Obado first tested his grip in 2013 when he got elected in an ODM zone with little known PDP. Recently, Eddy Oketch, a candidate he supported, almost floored Ochillo Ayacko in senatorial by-election.
Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi is equally instrumental in his quest. Hated and love in equal measure, Maangi on Friday insisted Kisii and Nyamira will vote Ruto.
"Your excellency I want to assure you that Nyamira and Kisii Counties are behind you. That's a fact," he said.
Former Kitutu Masaba MP Walter Nyambati is increasingly becoming an asset in Ruto's camp. Recently when he visited Nyamira, Ruto showered Nyambati with praises.
"I am pretty sure with elders like Nyambati, all is well. He will definitely put things in order," he added.
Also in the picture is Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka. The third term lawmaker is known to maneuver easily even in murky waters. On Saturday, he announced his Kisii gubernatorial seat besides backing Ruto's candidature.
And youthful politician Antony Kibagendi is lately becoming an instrumental workforce in Ruto's camp. Stationed at Harambee Annex, Kibagendi is behind the DP's increased activities in Nyanza.
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