Migori senatorial aspirant Eddy Oketch is a man under siege, being fought from both sides by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which is all out to defend the seat.
The opposition leader Raila Odinga-led party will have suffered a terrible humiliation should the Federal Party of Kenya (FPK) candidate win, hence its strong fight.
Oketch's win would also mark the beginning of the end of the Orange party's dominance in the region, a scenario ODM is very keen to evade, especially in a place considered one of its strongholds.
Also, judging by the party Deputy Leader Hassan Joho recent claims that Oketch is enjoying support from Deputy President William Ruto, his win will be a successful invasion by the DP.
And with Ruto and Raila expected to face off in the presidential race in the approaching 2022 general polls, Ruto and his alleged men are better if kept at bay.
Otherwise, Ruto will have an avenue to further bite into the county with Oketch as his point man, splitting the region and outdoing the former Prime Minister in the presidential contest.
Oketch has as well been linked to embattled area Governor Okoth Obado who remains opposed to ODM's choice of Ochilo Ayacko, and who is leading a revolt against the party's choice.
Should Oketch win, the Governor would have got his way, a situation that could lead to pride, and to trim him down, the party is keen to put him in his place and prove him wrong by suppressing his alleged 'project'.
To ensure that it retains the seat, ODM has launched a very vigorous campaign, with Odinga himself taking charge of the same on Thursday and is expected to complete the mission on Friday.
The seat fell vacant following the death of Ben Oluoch Okello in June with the rerun set for October 8.
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