Ruto-Raila contest: Is their switch of style by political design or fate?

ODM party leader Raila Odinga and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya addressing a rally at Bungoma bus terminus after attending the burial service of the late Mama Margaret Mutenyo Nandalwe at Rasha village in Sirisia, Bungoma county on October 2, 2021. [Benjamin Sakwa,Standard]

An observer on the Kenyan political scene who has been away for the last four years, and who has not been following the political developments, would be excused for confusing Deputy President William Ruto for ODM leader Raila Odinga and vice-versa, with specific regard to their clout in government and approach to next year’s General Election.