After three months of spirited campaigns in Gusii region, Deputy President William Ruto may now have to start from scratch following Raila Odinga's visit.
Coming a week after his coastal tour where he reconciled governors Jefa Kingi ( Kilifi) and Hassan Joho (Mombasa), Raila headed to Nyamira and Kisii, a region that has seen DP Ruto making inroads.
While he's silent about a possibility of being on ballot in 2022, Raila held closed-door meeting with Governor John Nyagarama on Friday moments after sharing podium with Ruto at Sironga.
And on Saturday, Raila met Governor Ongwae and his team for 1-hour meeting where geopolitics featured.
"I know you people voted for me. I know my support here is unquestionable," Raila said in Ruto's presence at Nyamira.
In Kisii, he said: "Those who think ODM party is dead are wrong. We are very strong and that will go beyond 2022."
Apparently, MPs supporting Ruto's bid went mum in Nyamira when the two met suggestively because of a multitude that seemingly backed Raila.
Previously, the DP has visited the two regions and even managed to secure support of elected leaders.
Sadly, the gains are yet to reflect at the grassroots where Raila's support seems to be on the upward trajectory again.
The latest meetings between Raila and the two county bosses could yet again prove to be blow to Ruto, who has however invested in young leaders.
On Friday, ODM beat Jubilee in Bassi Chache ward in the latest duel.