Luo Nyanza has for a very long time longed to see one of its own in the presidential seat, a dream yet to be fulfilled.
The same began with founding Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga who until his death in 1994 did not make it.
He then passed the baton down to his son and opposition chief Raila Odinga whose four bids have been futile and seems to be giving in to age
In the instance that Raila keeps off the race, then the region should not be expected to come out to vote in large numbers as it has always done in the previous elections.
Even if Raila will rally behind another powerful candidate, the people will be demoralized as they are not used to voting for another person who is not a native of the region.
This could also mark the end of Raila's grip of the region, as the people will begin scouting for another leader capable of going for the seat based on his growing age.
Many would argue that 2022 is Raila's only remaining hope and backing another candidate will be an indication that he has lost hope in ascending to the presidency.
And to avoid sinking with the ship and becoming irrelevant after his fall, the region will most likely look for another leader to take over should he fail to endorse one of the capable leaders there.
The region has also suffered as a result of his endorsements, for instance in 2012 when he backed former President Mwai Kibaki, only to fall out a few months later.
For fear of being used and dumped again, the region will observe Raila as misleading them and might defy him to go for another Luo candidate, if there will be any, however unpopular.
Also, there could be observed a scenario where the region stops voting as a block as it has always done and scattered its votes to numerous candidates.
Being the symbol of unity in that region, then it will be most likely to take after neighbouring Western Kenya and scatter votes to all aspirants needing it.
#hivisasaoriginal.