ODM is KANU (KADU) plus NDP renamed. And Ruto has been keen to take it back. Because he knows if he get's Moi's KANU back - he can be very powerful. So far he is on course. Moi's KANU can get you 35-40% without really needing a coalition.
Raila inherited KANU with it's structures - and has been mismanaging it as ODM.
And I would not call it uhuru factor - but more the kikuyu factor - there are many areas that just don't like Kikuyu domination - and will naturally rebel. Raila is paying the price now - and Ruto is being seen as the legit non-GEMA. This is KADU coalition that opposed KANU (kikuyu-Luo) in 1960s - mainly RV, Coast, Luhyas and all the small tribes.
And now to add the twist - GEMA also see Ruto as their own - nobody has given them good enough reason why they should disembark from Ruto. They really cannot find out what wrong he has comitted.
And this is now truly unprecedented. GEMA and Non-GEMA could unite behind one candidate like they did in 2002 under NARC revolution.
Depending on how Ruto manages this Hustler Nation - it could become NARC revolution - against dynasties, deep state and - also usher a NEW POWER STRUCTURE.
Obviously Uhuru might undo all this by running to shake hands with Ruto but at this point Ruto should try avoid any deal with dynasties - and really go hard on them - and try get them out of the way - usher in new leadership in the country. Ruto already did this in Kalenjin land -all he need is to do it in GEMA - have the little nobodies beat the moneyed - by driving a wedge btw the poor and the rich or the prievelleged.
Its the "Uhuru Factor" -Raila and ODM supporters forget 2022 will be about 2 Non Gema battling out . Here you see the original Kanu (Moi) KANU taking shape . I mentioned here Its not that that Coast , Western , Turkana , Pokots and section of Ukambani voted NASA/CORD because they relate to Raila and the party its because of "Uhuru factor " Now come 2022 when Ruto has managed to shake off Uhuru factor the dynamics will be different .