Deputy President William Ruto's grip at Rift Valley could be shaken for the first time in a decade as political realignments continue to take shape.
Kieleweke team, which has opposed Dr Ruto's bid to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta, is now planning to take the battle to Dr Ruto's Rift Valley backyard.
According to the Nation, the team which operates under nominated MP Maina Kamanda, has identified Gideon Moi as Dr Ruto's replacement in the Kalenjin community.
For the Mt Kenya region to pay debt, they argue, Moi should lead the Kalenjin community as battle to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta takes shape.
“There is no leadership vacuum in Rift Valley. Jubilee was founded on a peace pact between two communities; the Kikuyu and the Kalenjin.
"This was not about the DP as an individual. Senator Moi can easily take up the mantle as the Rift Valley kingpin,” Tiaty MP William Kamket appeared to confirm during a live interview at a local TV station on Wednesday night.
Last week, former Eldama Ravine MP Musa Sirma, who rejoined KANU, regretted the decision to install Dr Ruto as Kalenjin community kingpin.
Dr Ruto took over from former President Daniel Moi, who retired in 2002. For over a decade, Ruto has been the de facto leader of the Kalenjin community.
“As Kalenjin, we should not be intimidated to vote for DP Ruto. In any case, I regret having led the crusade that declared him community spokesman,” said Mr Sirma in allusion to an infamous 2006 Eldama Ravine declaration where the Kalenjin community vowed to rally behind Dr Ruto.