While much focus shifted to Raila Odinga's meeting with DP William Ruto, little attention was paid to foot soldiers who have taken Gusii region by storm lately.
Since October elections, DP Ruto seems to have put focus on the populous Gusii region which has traditionally backed Mr. Odinga.
With at least 1 million votes up for grabs, Ruto has recruited most MPs and MCAs from Kisii and Nyamira Counties as he wages a spirited fight for 2022 president.
In his previous outings, most MPs have openly scolded Raila with some challeng him to retire from active politics.
But on Friday at Sironga, the ground seemed to have shifted in Raila's favour as supporters welcomed him with usual heroics thus scaring MPs allied to Ruto.
As the floor opened for the MPs to mourn former West Mugirango MP Henry Obwocha, perhaps it was the opportune time for the leaders to openly declare their support for the DP.
None of those who attended engaged in politics just like they do with most of them limiting their topic to eulogizing the deceased.
Vincent Kemosi (West Mugirango), Ben Momanyi (Borabu), Shadrack Mose (Kitutu Masaba), Joash Nyamoko (North Mugirango) and Jerusha Momanyi (Nyamira) all distanced themselves from a simmering Ruto-Raila rivalry.
Ironically, all the five MPs have before declared support for Ruto in Raila's absence.
While it's difficult to establish why they snubbed the DP, political pundit Gideon Mamboleo says it's a sign that ODM still dominates Gusii politics.
"They were scared that Raila's supporters would openly rebuked them thus the silence.
"It was even worse since Raila was present thus they had to play cards well to avoid embarrassment," he claimed.
Early this year, Governor John Nyagarama was rebuked after holding a meeting with Ruto along with other elected leaders.
In Nyamira, only Senator Okong'o Mogeni and Governor John Nyagarama were elected on ODM with others either sailing through Jubilee or NASA affiliates.
But the Nyamira County Assembly is dominated by ODM an indication that Raila's grassroots presence still blossoms.
#hivisasaoriginal