Deputy President (DP) William Ruto is not taking any chances in his push to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in the forthcoming 2022 general election.
Ruto is expected to battle out with other political heavyweights for the top seat in 2022.
As he sets the ground running, DP Ruto is likely to garner more votes from regions that have for years been considered as opposition's strongholds.
Here are three regions considered as Raila Odinga's strongholds that are likely to gift DP Ruto votes in 2022 polls.
1. Coast
In the past three general elections 2007, 2013 and 2017), Coast has overwhelmingly been voting for the opposition.
However, this could not be the case in 2022 as a section of the region's vocal politicians shows signs of rebellion against Raila Odinga.
Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa is a good example and her rebellion dents opposition's strength in Coast.
With veteran Coast politicians like Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho serving their last terms, it is evident that Coast will be singing another tune come 2022.
2. Gusii
The region has also been voting for the opposition but in 2017 the case was different as majority votes went to Jubilee.
The Deputy President has been making inroads into Gusii land and it is expected that the region could overwhelmingly back his 2022 bid.
Similarly, a majority of top politicians allied to the opposition as governors are serving their last terms in the office making Gusii region open for new political patterns.
3. Nyanza
It has been the stronghold for opposition leader Raila Odinga for decades.
However, a section of the region's counties could surprisingly take a different political voting pattern in the 2022 election.
For instance, Migori County could vote differently owing to the fact that governor Okoth Obado does not enjoy cordial political relationship with Raila Odinga.
There is talk the second term governor could work with Deputy President William Ruto in 2022 election.
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