For those of us who still read the Bible, do you remember when Jesus told the Nazarites that a prophet is ignored in his homeland? This is after they refused to believe in his teachings because he was one of them and had no authority?
Can this be used to describe the relationship between William Ruto and his Rift Valley Backyard? The DP has engaged his campaign gear, touring different places across the country, conquering new kingdoms on the way.
His exploits were even recognised by his boss, President Uhuru Kenyatta who baptized him with the name Tanga Tanga.
But as Ruto continues to launch different projects with his Tanga Tanga team, it seems he has forgotten the most important region, the Rift Valley.
Poor tea and milk prices, decrepit road infrastructure, perceived skewed appointment to top government jobs, and lack of political unity are some of the issues playing against the DP in his backyard.
Furthermore, Mr Ruto has not addressed the highly emotive issue of the eviction of more than 9,000 families settled along the Maasai Mau Forest, with another 40,000 families lined up for eviction in the second phase of the exercise.
But the most thorny issue that may leave him with egg in his face, is the maize scandal. The DP’s ally-turned-foe, Cherangany MP Joshua Kutuny, is leading the pack of rebels which includes Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter and his Moiben counterpart Silas Tiren.
The trio last week did the unthinkable in the region by publicly calling on the DP to explain his role in the maize scandal where briefcase companies and well-connected businessmen are alleged to have been paid millions of shillings by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) at the expense of ordinary farmers.
Has Ruto Betrayed the Rift Valley?