The other challenge, particularly for Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga, is in the former Western province.
Raila is playing catch up with Kenya Kwanza presidential candidate William Ruto in some counties in Western Kenya.
For instance, Ruto has completely taken over Bungoma county through Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang'ula.
Raila is still supreme in Busia and Kakamega counties. But even in Kakamega, Raila's traditional stronghold, Ruto has chipped away a sizable chunk of votes from the county through Senator Cleophas Malala, who is running for governor on the ANC ticket.
Initially, Raila used to get over 70 per cent support in Western Kenya, but Ruto's inroads have really eaten into the former Prime Minister's vote basket. It is no longer solid as it was.
When you get to Mt Kenya, Raila's popularity has been on an upward trajectory.
With Raila rising courtesy of Martha Karua's nomination as running mate and President Uhuru Kenyatta's influence, Ruto is losing ground in a region he desperately needs to take the race down to the wire.
Ruto can, therefore, no longer sit pretty with the 50 per cent plus in Mt Kenya because his fortunes are fast plummeting. Ruto has drastically come down in Mt Kenya.
For the two main protagonists, they have their work cut out.
If Raila can consolidate his support in Western Kenya and continue with the steady rise in Mt Kenya, then he will dwarf Ruto.
That is where the Azimio presidential candidate's strategists should put more efforts.
If I were Raila, I would muster central and muster Nakuru county. Nakuru is a massive vote-hunting ground that can really give Raila an edgem, if he gets down to business.
The county is highly cosmopolitan and appears to be a battle ground for either side.
If, on his part, Ruto can outwit Raila completely in Mt Kenya, the he will romp to State House without any meaningful resistance.
That is why we are seeing the spat between the president and the deputy president.
That spat is deliberate. Look at the timing of the verbal exchanges, that timing is quite telling.
The senior lecturer of Communication and Media at Maseno University spoke to the Star.
