Siaya Senator James Orengo has insisted that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is already preparing for the 2022 general elections.
Speaking on Point Blank on KTN News on Wednesday the close ally of ODM chief Raila Odinga added that the party will once again participate in the presidential race.
He, however, hinted that Raila has been pushed out of the preparations, for fear of mixing up his new role as the African Union Infrastructure Envoy and local politicking.
He added that the party has realized that Raila's inclusion in the matter will be negative on his politics and has decided to seclude him as it concentrates on the bigger picture.
“We are very well organised about 2022. ODM as a party will be on the ballot box in one shape or another, I can tell you that.
But what I can tell you for purposes of Raila is that he is involved in an exercise that if mixed up with 2022 may work against his politics,” Orengo was quoted by the Standard.
He added that the former Prime Minister has also been avoiding the 2022 debate to avoid contradicting himself and the terms of his handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“If Raila was to put his campaign out there and at the same time be involved as an envoy and handshake, all that will not be good for his politics. He is very focused," added Orengo.
This comes at a time when Raila has been in the front line in discouraging early politicking, urging the political class to concentrate in serving Kenyans.
Similar calls have been emanating from Uhuru's side, though a section of his ruling Jubilee Party has contravened the directive.
Instead, the group has gone ahead to campaign for Deputy President William Ruto's presidential bid.