Revelations that Deputy President William Ruto is no longer interested in Mt Kenya region is a culmination of ongoing underground dealings that first launched immediately after historical handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.
A close aide to the DP said they have since shifted focus to their strongholds and swing regions that have long been dominated by the opposition.
"We have identified regions that can easily sway to our side on top of Rift Valley. We have also identified grassroot leaders from the regions. We can't bank on Central Kenya," he said in confidence.
Since the handshake, ODM leader Raila Odinga has focused in Mt Kenya, meeting influential leaders thus making it difficult for DP Ruto to penetrate into the region.
Political analyst Dismas Mokua contends that Raila's meetings with Mt Kenya leaders may have paid dividends given divisions in Jubilee.
"The handshake killed everything for Ruto. Raila's meetings with Central Kenya leaders has managed to create divisions in Jubilee thus a possibility of split in his favour ahead of 2022," he observes.
Last week, Raila hosted Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru before playing host to former minister Joseph Nyagah in his latest encroachment of Mt Kenya region.
Before that, Raila had hosted Peter Kenneth, William Kabogo, Kabando wa Kabando and many Central Kenya leaders.
While visiting Nyeri last month, a furious president Uhuru Kenyatta seemingly banned politicians from attending Ruto's rallies countrywide.
"Don't think that I am a coward. I will let people know my choice in 2022 when time comes and it will shock you," Uhuru said.
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