The race to succeed Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o as Kisumu Governor has started in advance with Senator Fred Outa setting in motion what is expected to be a bruising battle for the top county position.
However, it's not going to be easy for him.
The former Nyando MP has endured humiliating past few days with his critics accusing him of engaging in endless politicking. And Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor may prove to be his nightmare.
On Friday, during the homecoming party of Governor Nyong'o who had been away for two months, the Senator had another day to forget.
What was expected to a peaceful event turned out to be a supremacy battle between Outa and the Nyakach MP as the duo clashed at Kisumu Sports Ground.
The Senator was booed off the podium as Owuor's supporters wanted him off the zone. It took the intervention of Nyong'o to calm the situation.
After that humiliation, the 53-year-old Outa left in a huff.
The statement had been written; that it will not be a walk in the park for the Senator in his quest to succeed Prof.Nyong'o.
Though he has in the past maintained that he is former ODM Secretary General's 'anointed successor', the reality on the ground is very contrasting and may be forced to rethink his political strategy lest his ambitions will go into headwinds.
For Outa, the next five years will be his make or break moment.