Ruto has n0t earned or reached the level where it is either him or his followers.
The reason I concluded they want him gone is exactly the failure to target his followers. A guy like Raila ( apart from the events when he was arriving from US and Uhuru targeted him directly) is never targeted directly. That would be reckless and completely self defeating. Because if you succeed and get a bullet through, the country erupts and you may lose your position in the ensuing disorder.
So you target his supporters for maximum beating (without killing any deliberately).
In the case of Ruto, there is no teargas but the fire is directed at him. What is called
hostile and sustained direct fire or
sustained hostile fire ...
The intrigues have started early because the campaigns started way too early.
I would believe there is real war if Ruto CSs were fired. Kina Rotich, Chelugui, etc. Or Boinett or some parastatal chiefs. But this one is just cold war, and Ruto is playing well so far. Callling Uhuru Mheshimiwa Rais and preaching Big Four. 2001-2 Kanu had more intrigues... with Kanu A, B and Raila.
I just think the intrigues have started too early. Uhuru should mind his legacy more than the affairs of the MKM hyenas and vultures... and focus on the Big Four instead of starting a civil war.