Why 2017 presidential race will be toughest in Kenya’s history following Raila’s endorsement

The naming of cord leader Raila Amolo Odinga as the National Super Alliance (NASA) flag bearer has renewed Odinga-Kenyatta family rivalry. 
The families of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga have been fighting over power for decades and year’s election will be the grand finale or El Classico for football fans. Uhuru won the first round of the match and Raila learned a lesson
One of the aspects that will make this race tough is that the former Prime minister will be contesting for the seat for his last time and so is President Uhuru Kenyatta. None of the two leaders is ready to lose when that time comes. The two leaders’ show of might will make August presidential race a battle of the titans.
The election also comes after Uhuru and Ruto were set free from the International Criminal Court of Justice (ICC). The two leaders have time to concentrate on their ambitions rather than defending themselves at the Hague court. Uhuru and his Deputy are not ready to leave any stone unturned as we head to the polls.
When we take a look at the last general polls, it is clear that the both opposition and ruling party almost have the same number of supporters. 
There are possibilities that the August elections will go into the run off stage. If this happens, Raila and Uhuru will meet again at the ballot box to end their long fight over power.
Lastly, Nyanza, Coast, Eastern and Coast leaders appear to be ganging up against those from Central and Rift Valley. From the voting bloc point of view, it will not be easy for any of the candidates.