For the last 15 months, there is no doubt that Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i has stamped his authority as de facto leader of Abagusii community.
The community has been without a substantive leader since the exit of Simeon Nyachae from active politics in 2007, five years after losing presidency.
And the emergence of Matiang'i did not come through accident given his solid performance at the national level in all dockets that he has served.
But despite the achievements, Matiang'i is facing hurdles in uniting a number of leaders some who are supporting Deputy President William Ruto's bid.
"You can't lead without others. He should now be looking for ways of reaching Tanga Tanga brigade and mending fences with them," said Benson Sironga, Rigoma MCA.
Former Manga MCA Peter Maroro in an interview on Tuesday said Dr Matiang'i will also have to try to get support from ODM leaders in Gusii region.
According to him, despite Matiang'i's cordial relationship with some ODM leaders, he has not reached out to those in party offices.
"You can't lead without reaching out to ODM. That's the bitter fact. The party controls a huge following so there is need for him to try and reach out to grassroots officials," he said.
For the first time in two years, Dr Matiang'i met ODM treasurer Timothy Bosire at a funeral in Nyamira, and the two embraced after years of rivalry.
#hivisasaoriginal