The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party's loss in the recent Ugenya parliamentary by-election was an unforceen outcome.
To some, it was a demonstration that the party and it's leader Raila Odinga are losing grip on the county and the larger Luo Nyanza region.
To ensure that nothing of the kind happens come 2022 and his party sweeps across the province, Raila will have to change his tack and, obviously, his county representatives.
Here are some of the new faces he should consider elevating to his county kingpins.
1. Otiende Amollo
The first time parliamentarian only appeared a few times during the campaigns, before leaving for Arusha, Tanzania, for the ICGLR parliamentarians forum.
However, the first time lawmaker seems to be taking Raila's Siaya home county by storm, and currently appears the third most popular after Raila and Senator James Orengo.
Though the region also boasts of other popular leaders like Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja), they have failed to make as much impact as Amollo, with regards to popularity.
If put to use, the MP who is known for his spotless English speaking skills could be the next third hand for Raila and his representative in the county.
He shot into fame during Raila's 2017 presidential election petition, when he provided the formula purportedly used to rig Raila out, making him a household name across Kenya.
2. Anyang Nyongo
Though Raila and the Kisumu county boss have a long history together, Nyongo has never been seen taking the front line in leading Raila's charm offensive during polls.
Judging by his experience and the respect he enjoys among Luos, especially his Kisumu subjects, and his silent mode of politics, Raila should consider using him more in 2022.
Replacing the likes of Senator Fred Outa and his Kisumu Central MP Fred Ouda who are youthful, known for controversy and therefore less influential, Nyongo can help Raila and his party get a firmer grip of the county.
Using this trick, he can also capture the Kisumu West seat which has for the last 13 hears been in the hands of Olago Aluoch of the Ford Kenya party.
3. Gladys Wanga
In Homa Bay, Raila has been seennto depend more on Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma and his Suba South counterpart John Mbadi.
Though no threat has been seen in this county, he can better the result in 2022 by fully including area vocal woman representative Gladys Wanga who is likely to run for the gubernatorial seat.
An addition of Suba North lawmaker Millie Odhiambo and area Senator Moses Kajwang would even be better.
4. Ochillo Ayacko
Raila narrowly survived in Migori in last year's Senatorial by-election thanks to a serious competition by Eddy Oketch who was running against ODM's Ochillo Ayacko, who later won.
Considering that Migori is one of the region's considered his bedrocks, one would not have expected Odinga to personally camp there for three days to personally campaign for Ochillo.
This meant that he was having some trouble trusting his footsoldiers to deliver the seat, which calls for a change of tact.
He could consider using Ochillo who is more experienced that most of the remaining politicians, including the likes of Suna East lawmaker Junet Mohamed.
This is because Mohammed might lack the experience and mental strategy to battle area Governor Okoth Obado who is likely to campaign against ODM in 2022, having shown the signs.
He was accused of being one of the forces behind Oketch's candidature, though he WS in jail at the time.
#Hivisasaoriginal.