Speculations that Deputy President William Ruto and Governor Okoth Obado were funding Mr. Eddie Oketch in Migori senatorial by-election precipitated Raila Odinga's decision to pitch tent in his perceived stronghold.
For Thursday and Friday, Raila traversed the eight constituencies to ascertain 'damage' done by the youthful 'well oiled' politician who had walked out of ODM.
"He was getting audience in rallies and they were well financed. We just couldn't sit pretty and watch that happen.
"Raila had to be around to speak to the people to avoid a possible embarrassment on Monday," a party insider said in confidence.
And provisional results shows that even if the ODM candidate Ochillo Ayacko may carry the day, Mr. Oketch score so far could worry the ODM party which has enjoyed support in the region for decades.
For instance in Suna West, Ochillo had 9,500 votes from 30 polling stations while Oketch managed 5,600; an indication of tight contest.
The competitors are: Federal Party of Kenya candidate, Mr Eddy Oketch, ODM candidate Ochillo Ayacko, Mr Peter Jobando (Green Congress Party), Mr Solomon Hodo Rugaria (People's Democratic Party), Mr Samwel Otieno (independent) and Mr Dickson Ogolla (independent).
Similar trend was seen in Kuria West where Ochillo had 1,230 votes as Oketch emerged second with 770 votes.
While the insider insists that Raila may have been scared just like other party stalwarts, Junet Mohammed has dismissed the notion.
"It was just a normal campaign. The party leader showed up in solidarity with our candidate."
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