Until recently, Deputy President William Ruto was apparently regaining his political footing in Luo Nyanza, thanks to the 2018 truce with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
This was manifested when he received a rousing welcome in Kisumu late last year, touring the region alongside Uhuru when they were hosted by opposition chief Raila Odinga.
But he seems to have eroded that, thanks to his growing enmity with Raila, and might consequently have it very hard re-accessing the region which is co Raila's stronghold.
In a region that is very sensitive, especially when it involves the former Premier, Ruto might have it very hard drumming up support for his 2022 presidential bid if things remain as they are.
Similarly, Ruto's allies have been seen to attack President Uhuru Kenyatta over both the handshake and the ongoing purge on corruption which they claim is targeting them.
The DP has remained silent on the issue which is obviously angering Nyanza which currently considers Uhuru a close friend and Raila's possible gate pass to the presidency.
Failure to call his troops to order might cost him dearly and probably deny him the extra one vote he needs in the top of his 50 per cent when the time comes.
If he fails to settle the situation, he might never be welcome in Nyanza and might as well never regain the admiration he enjoyed from Luos when he was in Raila's camp between 2008 and 2010.
#hivisasaoriginal.