Opposition leader Raila Odinga's decision to keep off the Ugenya parliamentary by-election campaigns probably has a deeper meaning than what he said in the local dailies.
Addressing mourners during the burial of a former Senior Chief in the area last week, the former Premier said that he is too busy for the job.
He based his decision on his position as the African Union Infrastructure envoy, adding that he is now addressing continental issues.
But this seems like just an excuse and the real reason is most likely to avoid being seen as so desperate to win the seat which ironically falls in his Siaya backyard.
Raila knows that being seen campaigning for his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate Chris Karan will raise questions on his grip of the region.
He doesn't appear busy as he has been seen crisscrossing the nation recently and even engaging Deputy President William Ruto in verbal wars throughout last week.
His decision to leave the campaigning task to the likes of Siaya Senator James Orengo is to give the impression that he is still in charge and can get the job done without having to be there.
He is also trying to avoid the kind of bashing he received when he camped in Migori County late last to campaign for ODM candidate and current area Senator Ochilo Ayacko.
His rivals led by Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen questioned the strength of the ODM party after Raila who was apparently avoiding losing the seat to the rival Eddy Oketch camped in Migori for days.
And for a man said to be eyeing the presidential seat, it would be so unlike him to be engaging in parliamentary elections and he seems to have realized that.
He could also have decided to act like the boss he is and sit back and let his juniors do the job since he is now considered a continental figure.
Karan will be facing off with among others, former MP David Ochieng' of the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) party.
#hivisasaoriginal.