Arguably one of the best strategist in modern history of Kenya, William Ruto, who is due to graduate with a PhD degree from University of Nairobi, is slowly shifting section of Nyanza into his favour.
With Raila Odinga also keen to safeguard his backyard, the two have embroiled in a tag of war over at least 2 million votes in three Nyanza counties.
On the map is Kisii, Nyamira and cosmopolitan Migori, which habours the Kuria community.
In Gusii region, Ruto has positioned a strong youthful team under South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro and youth leader Antony Kibagendi.
On top of that, virtually all MPs from both Nyamira and Kisii are supporting his bid.
At his Harambee House, Ruto held closed door meetings with legislators from both counties in April further causing anxiety in Raila's team.
Weeks later, the DP hosted Governor John Nyagarama (Nyamira) and James Ongwae (Kisii) separately to rally for their support.
In a quick rejoinder, Raila met the two governors, elected on his ODM party and are said to have discussed how to tame the upward trajectory of Ruto's support.
Last month, in what is believed to be a coincidence, the two shared platform in Nyamira before touring Kisii County separately.
Other senators Okong'o Mogeni and Sam Ongeri are strongly behind Raila thus putting the veteran leader in a mix.
In the neighboring Migori, sources claim that Ruto is banking on secret backing by Governor Okoth Obado, who has been at loggerheads with ODM.
By 2022, the three counties are projected to have a voting population of up to 2 million votes.
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