As the 2022 general elections approach, Deputy President William Ruto's promises of a powerful ministerial post and 30% government jobs to Musalia Mudavadi's Amani National Congress (ANC) party have raised eyebrows in western Kenya.
With the ANC party reduced to bystanders in Kenya Kwanza, political leaders from the region are questioning whether a mere 30% is enough to sway voters away from Raila Odinga's candidacy.
Mr. Mudavadi's decision to join forces with Ruto has been met with skepticism, particularly after he faced a deluge of desertions by his bosom buddies, including the noisy Lugari legislator Ayub Savula, in the immediate wake of his joining Ruto.
Emerging facts indicate that by teaming up with Ruto, Musalia Mudavadi may have committed political suicide, worse than what he did in the run-up to the 2002 elections when he was forced to play second fiddle to Uhuru Kenyatta as his running mate, resulting in his loss of the Sabatia constituency seat.
Last weekend's massively attended campaign rallies organized by Raila Odinga's team in Vihiga County, Musalia's home county, have further eroded his chances of winning over voters.
The outgoing Kakamega County Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) SG Francis Atwoli have declared their support for Mr. Odinga against Ruto's candidature, effectively locking Mudavadi-Ruto from the western region.
With Mudavadi having lost the support of his home county of Vihiga, it remains to be seen from where he will effectively deliver votes.