He has reigned politically in Luo Nyanza for the past 20 years but 2018 is proving to be the most challenging year for NASA leader Raila Odinga in the regions politics if the recent developments are anything to go by.
From battling accusations from a section of leaders and his supporters that he betrayed lawyer Miguna Miguna following last month's airport drama to fresh blames over his alleged role in stalling the region's development by a section of religious leaders , the latter could prove to be the turning point in his Nyanza political career.
Anglican Church of Kenya South Nyanza Bishop James Ochiel has over the past two weeks emerged as a thorn in Raila's flesh- accusing his ODM party of being an impediment to the region's development and democracy. His anti-ODM campaign seems to be gaining momentum.
Barely two days ago, the man of God was at it again, threatening to mobilize church followers to rebel against the Raila-led party for allegedly imposing leaders on the people.
Could this be a game-changer in Nyanza politics? Will Raila be forced to change tact on how he approaches Nyanza politics? If not, could this be the end of him in the region? Well, time will tell.