The reunion of former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale with Deputy President William Ruto seems to be causing divisions in the vote rich Western region, three years to 2022 polls.
Dr Khalwale, a former staunch supporter of ODM leader Raila Odinga, has often defended his move to back the DP, arguing that he's the most suitable to take over.
And recently, the former Ikolomani MP took a swipe at former minister Rashid Echesa, insisting that his decision to back Musalia Mudavadi was misleading. Echesa has since denied supporting Mudavadi.
“Political power, like Cannabis sativa (bhang), is addictive, and when suddenly withdrawn can have severe withdrawal effects. The abrupt firing of former CS Rashid Echesa is the only reason for his so-called ditching of the DP. Classic attention-seeking behaviour!” Dr Khalwale wrote.
But in an interview with Sunday Nation, Echesa dismissed Khalwale's ability to galvanize support for DP Ruto, terming him a comedian.
“Khalwale is an activist and a comedian that I do not wish to talk about,” Mr Echesa told the Sunday Nation, barely hiding his contempt for the “bullfighter” from Ikolomani," he said.
The DP had been working closely with Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka, Majority Whip Benjamin Washiali and Mr Echesa to penetrate Western region before the entry of Khalwale.
But Khalwale's presence seems to be troubling politicians who started courting Dr Ruto many years before his entry.
Another MP from the region added: “He thinks he can come late and become the main man. We fought so hard against the political tide that was heavily in favour of Raila and delivered some votes to the government side and won seats. We won’t take it.”