Azimio leader Raila Odinga's political grip on Gusii politics faces a litmus test after key leaders from the region vowed to work with the government.
Tens of Raila's current and ex-allies have accompanied President William Ruto in his two-day working tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties.
During the tour, the leaders including current MPs, have vowed to work with President Ruto's government despite Raila's call for mass action.
Among Raila's allies in Ruto's trip include governors Simba Arati, Kisii, and Amos Nyaribo, Nyamira and Kisii senator Richard Onyonka and county woman representative Doris Donya.
On Friday Arati showered praise on Ruto saying he never knew he was such a man with a big heart, affirming his support for him.
"Our President is a man with a big heart," Arati said during Machogu's homecoming ceremony in Nyaribari Masaba.
Earlier while in Kitutu Chache North, Arati who was elected on an ODM party ticket declared support for Ruto, saying the country can have only one president at a time.
"We can have only one president at a time," Arati told Ruto during the launch of the Kegati water project
Onyonka, who is also a member of ODM, publicly declared support for Ruto.
The ODM lawmaker said times have changed after the campaigns and it is Ruto who is the president.
"Let us support this President to work for us, he is up to the task," Onyonka said.
Speaking in Kitutu Chache North, the senator who has been supporting Raila, said it is time to take a different turn.
Former Kisiii governor James Ongwae who was among the first leaders from the region to back Ruto's government said the community is behind Ruto.
"As a community, we are firmly behind your government and we thank you so much for the positions you have given us," Ongwae said.
Other MPs who allied to Raila from the region and who joined Ruto on the trip included Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku and Bomachoge Borabu's Obadiah Barongo.
