The decision by Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko to pick controversial lawyer Miguna Miguna as his deputy is culmination of vicious war in which president Uhuru Kenyatta is directly involved.
Last weekend, Sonko protested an alleged scheme to undermine his leadership in Uhuru's presence at Moi Forces Academy following a protocol hitch.
"This culture of undermining me must stop. I am the county governor and the programme is clear that I ought to speak before the anthem," he said.
Often, Sonko has accused a powerful State House cartel led by Interior PS Karanja Kibicho of leading campaign to undermine his government.
An ODM insider, who spoke in confidence, said Sonko's bold move is an open protest against Uhuru.
"He is unhappy that the president is doing nothing to tame his men. Picking Miguna was the best antidote to show them that he is in control," he said.
Currently, Miguna remains stranded in Canada after the government refused to hand him over valid Kenyan passport following his deportation.
A video circulating on social media shows a distressed Sonko snubbing Uhuru's handshake at Nakuru on Wednesday.