The fallout between Mr Odinga and Mr Ruto was escalated by the former’s push for the eviction of those who settled in the Mau forest and his recent announcement that he had suspended the Agriculture minister over the maize scandal.

In the larger Kisii, the PM has also lost the support of one of the party’s kingpins, Omingo Magara, who has lately identified with the Ruto camp. Nyaribari Chache MP Onsare Monda and his West Mugirango counterpart James Gesami, also identify with the Magara-Ruto camp.

Dr Monda was one of the MPs kicked out of the House Business Committee and replaced with Bonchari’s Charles Onyancha. But the PM has the support of Chris Obure (Bobasi), Onyancha, Richard Onyonka (Kitutu Chache) and Simon Ogari (Bomachoge).

Mr Odinga demonstrated his might in the Bomachoge by-election when he led a successful campaign that saw Mr Ogari triumph. But the looming South Mugirango by-election is likely to provide the PM with a much tougher test. The Ruto camp is already pushing for the direct nomination of the former MP but Mr Odinga’s allies are said to back former high school principal Ibrahim Ochoi.