In a strategic outreach reported by Daily Nation, Ruto has enlisted key intellectual figures previously associated with the late Raila Odinga's economic vision.
These include prominent academics and strategists such as Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang' Nyong'o, Prof Karuti Kanyinga, Prof Michael Chege, Prof Oduor Wanyande, Prof Makau Mutua now Senior Adviser on Constitutional Affairs, and others like Dr David Ndii's team collaborating on policies to elevate Kenya to First World status.
This collaboration, involving State House-directed economic advisory work, aims to penetrate ODM strongholds in Nyanza, Coast, and beyond by co-opting Raila's policy architects.
It builds on the broad-based government framework established earlier, pulling in former Odinga allies like Dennis Onyango and George Omondi.
The move signals Ruto's intent to neutralize opposition by absorbing talent and ideas from the Orange camp, potentially fracturing ODM's cohesion post-Raila's passing.
For Kalonzo Musyoka, this erodes potential alliances with ODM remnants, as Ruto undercuts shared anti-government narratives in regions where Wiper and ODM once overlapped.
Fred Matiang'i, often positioned as a reformist alternative with cross-ethnic appeal, faces diluted support if ODM intellectuals shift toward Ruto's "hustler" economic framing.
Rigathi Gachagua, already navigating Mt Kenya's political fragmentation, sees his base threatened as Ruto consolidates broader coalitions, including indirect ODM buy-in, to lock in votes.
Ruto's chess game weakens fragmented opposition ahead of 2027, turning potential rivals' strengths into his assets.
Kalonzo, Matiang'i, and Gachagua must recalibrate fast or risk being sidelined in a reconfigured political landscape.