Opposition leader Raila Odinga has been the main man in Nyanza politics for almost three decades but he is now facing  a reality check in his bid to maintain grip on the region's politics. 

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The nullification of Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti's election by the High Court is proving to be the game-changer.

After surviving the onslaught from his bitter rival former Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga to controversially clinch the ODM ticket during the party nominations, Awiti faced the same foe during the August 8, 2017 poll. 

Once again, he triumphed despite his opponent's charm offensive to dislodge him. But it never ended there as Magwanga successfully petitioned the win at the High Court.

If the Court of Appeal does not overturn the nullification of Awiti's win, then a bruising battle is expected in Nyanza and Odinga will find himself at the centre of it.

In the run to last year's election, Raila's six piece call received mixed reactions. 

In some places like Kisumu, it did not work as two non-ODM MPs were elected against the wishes of the former Premier.

Focus now shifts to Homa Bay, the home to ODM chairman John Mbadi. Will ODM popularity save Awiti? Or will Raila be subjected to humiliation in his own backyard? Can Magwanga pull a shocker and ashame Raila by sending home Awiti? 

Well, interesting political times lie ahead, and for the former Prime Minister, the Homa Bay gubernatorial by-election may prove to be the turning point in his political career in as far as Nyanza politics is concerned.

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