Hardened by Kenya's turf politics, Deputy President William Ruto is not your ordinary politician.
For 22 years now in politics, Ruto has confirmed to be a tough man. He has taken the heavyweights head-on. He has made friends and enemies alike. And now at the centre of the country's politics, the DP is a man to watch during the 2022 contest for President. But for that to happen, the man from Sugoi should play his cards well.
With his key political allies seemingly becoming marked men within the Jubilee party formation, Dr Ruto prove his political genius to overcome the treachery.
As a key Ruto backer in President Uhuru Kenyatta's Mt. Kenya turf, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has come under sharp criticism from those loyal to the head of state, including Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru.
Accused of undermining the President, Kuria's predicaments could just be an indicator that Uhuru is keen to ring-fence his Central Kenya political base.
Then there is Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, Mwangi Kiunjuri, once touted as Uhuru's Central Kenya successor and possible Ruto running mate in 2022.
The Kieleweke wing of Jubilee party has accused him of playing politics despite being a civil servant. His political dalliance with the DP is now an open secret. With many calling for his sacking, Dr Ruto could be dealt a blow in his quest to water down President Uhuru Kenyatta's influence in the populous region.
Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa has never been in peace either. Her decision to dump ODM party and declare her support for Ruto rubbed Raila Odinga the wrong way.
Now seen as a lone ranger in the pro-Raila and Uhuru Coast region, Aisha Jumwa's dalliance with the DP will probably cost her political career. And Dr Ruto may be another victim of Jumwa's political undertakings.
Long seen as a political tsunami, Ruto is facing a real test of his political life.
Will he balance his own ambitions with that of his boss President Kenyatta? And what of his beleaguered political allies? Can he save them from the 'system'? Well, time will tell.