ODM leader Raila Odinga is currently being seen as the only man who can stop Deputy President William Ruto, in his (Ruto) bid to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022.

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Already, the DP has made clear his intentions, with Raila, on the other hand, being seen as plotting his downfall through his (Raila) new union with Uhuru, after their 2018 handshake.

And though Raila remains silent on his presidential intentions, despite hints from his allies, it's very likely that he will give his all to ensure that the DP doesn't make it.

Here are the three main reasons why Raila is very likely to give his all towards preventing a post-2022 Ruto presidency.

2018 MOCK PRESIDENTIAL OATH

So far, the former Prime Minister appears to have avoided any legal issues after his mock presidential oath on January 30, 2018.

While Uhuru has not been keen on pushing for his prosecution, it's very likely that under the DP, he might not be as lucky.

For instance, the DP has at some.point alleged that Raila framed him after the 2007 elections, which saw Ruto prosecuted st the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged involvement in the 2007 post-election skirmishes.

This, and the hatred he seems to be facing from the likes of Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, could see Raila opt to have the power go to anyone else but not Ruto for fear of retaliation.

IT WILL BE RAILA'S LAST CHANCE

At almost 75 years of age, 2022 appears like Raila's only remaining chance to realize his long-time dream of leading this country.

Failure to make it in 2022, when he will be 77, will see him left out for five more years, which will see him turn 82 in 2027 and by then, it will be even less likely to make it.

This is because his dwindling political influence will have worsened. At the same time, Raila has over time learnt that its impossible to unseat a sitting president.

His attempts to unseat Mwai Kibaki (2007) and Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017 were both futile, and both times blamed his losses on rigging.

Therefore, his only bet lies on ensuring that the DP does not make it to the top.

THE UHURU FACTOR

Currently, Raila and Uhuru appear united, a union that began after their 2018 truce, which, however, appears to be isolating the DP.

Thanks to the new feeling of reinforcement in Raila's camp, it's very likely that he will battle the DP in the event that the truce evolves into a political alliance.

Since he already enjoys the backing of about half of the country, Raila will see Uhuru's entry as an additional advantage which could finally make his win possible.

Therefore, despite his current noncommittal on taking his fifth shot at the top seat, Raila will finally announce his candidature in due time.

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