Deputy President William Ruto on Wednesday took the first step towards venturing into City politics ahead of Kibra by-election scheduled for November.
The seat was left vacant following the death of Ken Okoth, an ODM legislator in July. ODM, which has since nominated Imran Okoth, is keen to defend it.
And with Ruto's focus now on 2022, flexing muscles with Mr Raila Odinga is one of his future plans. He fronted retired footballer McDonald Mariga on Jubilee ticket.
On Wednesday, Dr Ruto hosted a delegation by Mariga from Kibra, sending strong signals ahead of the looming battle with Mr Odinga in Nairobi.
"We want you to do this; that don't give us someone with hangovers. Someone who doesn't chest thump that he's rich. Give us someone who has stayed in Kibra, someone who has stayed in slums. Someone you can easily reach," he said.
For decades, Mr Odinga has controlled city politics, beating both retired President Mwai Kibaki and President Uhuru Kenyatta in the last three presidential polls. Nairobi is considered strategic for presidential candidates.
Throughout last week, Ruto has been traversing the city, visiting both Embakasi Central and North besides Monday's trip to Dagoretti South.
Mariga expressed confidence ahead of the polls, insisting that he's ready for the big challenge. It was Ruto's first meeting with Kibra people ever since Mariga was cleared to contest.
"I am ready to fix a number of issues. I will die the matters to do with sport. My office will be with the people. So that you can easily access me and we walk through the same development path," he said.
Belgut MP Nelson Koech on Sunday said Kibra poll will be crucial to Ruto, adding that a victory for Mariga will send a strong signal ahead of 2022.