Even as Deputy President William Samoei Ruto's 2022 presidential bid remains alive, the hope of sustaining popularity and dominance in Uasin Gishu stronghold is proving an uphill task for him.
With the ever growing popularity of Bundotich Zedekiah Kiprop alias Buzeki in the recent days, it is no secret that DP Ruto's dominance in the region is under threat.
Coupled with the fact that his closest ally Jackson Mandago's term as county boss is expiring in 2022, Buzeki automatically becomes the man to watch.
Considering the steadily waning support in several of opposition strongholds, it is expected that Ruto maintains his following in his home county if the intends to sustain his 2022 presidential bid. However, Buzeki's re-emergence is proving a real threat to his Uasin Gishu politics.
Just last week, Buzeki distanced himself from DP Ruto with reports indicating that he was out to revamp Isaac Ruto's Mashinani party.
Considering the stiff competition Buzeki offered the incumbent governor Mandago in the build-up to 2017 elections, a keen presidential aspirant as Ruto should not ignore his influence.
Furthermore, Buzeki is a billionaire businessman who can comfortably fund his campaigns. Unlike other 'broke' aspirants, he can demolish even the most seasoned of politicians as Ruto without straining financially. With this in mind, it is a fact that DP Ruto has a formidable threat that might render him powerless after 2022.