Tanga Tanga brigade, a team leaning towards DP William Ruto, could be forced to go to drawing board following resilient coordinated campaigns by rivals in Gusii.
For the better part of 2018 and this year, Dr Ruto's encroachment to Kisii and Nyamira was inevitable, with virtually all elected leaders joining the team.
However, elevation of Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i to head government development agenda early this year automatically led to paradigm shift.
With a number of MPs among them Ben Momanyi and Jerusha Momanyi joining Matiang'i's team, others have developed a cold feet and no longer join pro-Ruto rallies.
Mrs Momanyi on Saturday said Matiang'i's team, which supports handshake, had taken roots due to specific focus on development agenda.
"The CS is representing Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga well. He does not politic. He just wants results. As leaders, we have room deliver to the people and thus, we have no option other than to work with him," she said.
Recently, Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka said Ruto's camp was steadily losing to Matiang'i because the DP 'does not listen to advice'.
"He decides when to listen and when not to. He has specific people he listens to. He fights non existing wars. That's why I ditched him. Matiang'i is well organized thus the paradigm shift."
Governors John Nyagarama and James Ongwae along with Senators Okong'o Mogeni and Sam Ongeri are spearheading Pro-Matiang'i team in Gusii.
However, the powerful minister is yet to declare interest in politics but sources say that he could be positioning himself as de facto leader of Abagusii.
But West Mugirango MP Vincent Kemosi believes that Dr Matiang'i will not win an elective seat, arguing that he has done little in the region.
"We can't win as Abagusii. Let him actually initiate projects and show us that he's capable. For now, his quest remains just a wild dream," he said.
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