ODM leader Raila Odinga can now breathe a sigh of relief after Ochillo Ayacko triumphed in Migori's senatorial race after a fierce battle with youthful Eddy Oketch. However, his trouble is far from over.
In a race that was seen as a battle between Raila and Deputy President William Ruto, at least it gives a rough picture of what is expected in 2022.
With the Migori contest settled, the focus now shifts to the Coast region, which of late has been the epicenter of ODM rebellion.
At the time Raila continues to flex muscles with the perceived rebels from the Coastal strip, the battle could get ugly if the party makes good its threat to discipline the ringleaders of the rebellion: Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa and her Msambweni counterpart Suleiman Dori.
What if the party expels them, triggering a by-election in the process? Who between the former Prime Minister and the DP will have the last laugh?
There is no doubt that the likely by-election, depending on ODM's move, will provide the opportunity for the two political nemeses to gauge their popularity.
A win for Raila will confirm that he is still 'unbwogable' in the region he has reigned politically for over one decade. But should the DP turn the tables for the ODM leader, then he (Raila) will have a mountain to climb in a bid to reverse Ruto's gains.