When Ruto swallowed his pride a week ago & had 'handshake' with Gideon Moi, I started suspecting that the rumours that Raila was terminally ill might be true.
I thought that the only reason Ruto could be so desperate as to seek Gideon's help, must be that something with major political significance was about to happen.
I couldn't think of anything else, apart from Raila not being around anymore to help Ruto.
Raila's passing has great political effect in Kenya, more than any other event since 1982 coup attempt (Coincidentally, it is alleged that Raila Odinga was the mastermind of that coup).
It is a huge blow to William Ruto - Potentially, politically fatal.
1. Raila controlled ODM MPs - especially those from Nyanza region.
They voted in parliament as he ordered them to.
Now, there is no one to 'whip' these Nyanza MPs to support Ruto in parliament.
Because no one in ODM, or in the whole country has that kind of control of MPs (apart from Ruto, by virtual of being able to threaten MPs in his party).
2. Many people in Nyanza have said publicly in the past that, 'Raila's word is the law'.
When Raila opposed Ruto's regime, Nyanza people also opposed the govt.
When Raila made a deal with Ruto last year - forming so-called Broad-based govt - Most Nyanza people also started supporting Ruto & his regime.
Now, there is no one that comes close to having that kind of power over people in Nyanza.
Therefore, they will most likely start playing politics like people from other regions in the country - And Ruto is very unpopular in most regions.
END OF AN ERA
Ruto must now be really grieving - Not because he has lost a friend, but because of how Raila's passing has weakened his regime.
May Raila Odinga rest in peace.