Deputy President William Ruto has embarked on a plan to fully seize control of the Coast region from ODM leader Raila Odinga.
And his numerous trips int the region seem to pay off with former hard-core Raila allies swearing allegiance to Kenya's number two.
So, what are Raila's options to survive in the face o sustained Ruto's ambitious bid to elbow out Raila out of Coast politics?
Taita Taveta Governor Granton Samboja is the new Ruto disciple in the region. As a political heavyweight in his own rights, the former radio man has a huge role to play in the region's politics come 2022. So, can Raila attempt to lure him to ODM? It is hard.
But in politics, anything is possible. Nonetheless, a move by the governor to the depleted Raila camp will increase the former Premier's stakes in his battle with the 'hustler".
After openly declaring that she will support Ruto in 2022, Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa has complicated Raila's bid to stamp his authority on Coast politics. But can she make a U-turn and 'move back' to ODM? Yes.
Given Jumwa's own political ambitions, the presence of Raila will give her a precious head start going into the 2022 election where the fierce MP is expected to go for the Kilifi the Governor seat.
And with the incumbent reportedly preferring Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, Jumwa will badly need Raila.