I am political pundit of no mean repute
Now listen
Factors working against Raila
1) Handshake - many western people and elite think Raila left them to dry - and negotiated a personal deal. This feeling is also very prevalent in Ukambani and coast. Raila should have insisted on structured talks with Uhuru and should have brought on board maDVD, Kalonzo and his crew. Then his trying to sell handshake fruits almost exclusively as Kisumu projecets further cement that.
2) Shabbily treating maDVD + OKA guys plus taking all the monies from political party funds - and for weta taking his little consolation prado to Orengo - the same mistreatment in coast - where despite Raila getting most votes - coast had nothing even in parliament to show for it.
3) Ruto delivered his bargain for his people in NASA zones. Lusaka got his senate speaker, Wamalwa minister, Echeza minister, Chief Whip washiali - and those that missed got small positions - others got retainer like Khwawale. There is a feeling out that there that Ruto is a reliable friend...who will not drop you dead like Raila..as long as you're in his team...Ruto will take care of you.
4) Jubilee 1.0 delivered rural paved roads and electricity - those are biggest vote winners in rural kenya - and gave Jubilee 5 percent jump in last election. Ruto was the guy on the ground.
Those four issues are not going to be easy to fix in campaign period.
But it can be done....
1) Run Kabila mbili narrative - tough if you're also courting GEMA.
2) Run Raila will die or Mandela moment - only if Bukusu or Luhyas are not reminded that Jaramogi died and Luos left ford-kenya for NDP.
And worse Ruto is best campaigner and propagandist
In short forget 2022 - and accept that baring Ruto dying or going mad or bankrupt or getting jailed - it's OVER - Ruto is now incoming PORK - and will win by min of 55 percent - and could get 60 percent if GEMA as I expect finally accept it's OVER.
IT IS OVER PEOPLE - this was only game Ruto needed to pull.
I am sure maDVD is billionaire and Weta got 700M cash money.
Next is for Uhuru Kenyatta to do handshake with Ruto - project Raila has drunk water - assuming he was ever serious about it -