Makueni Member of Parliament Dan Maanzo now says that Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) boss Raila Odinga could have retired by now were it not for his allies.
Raila who is now approaching 75 remains actively involved in political affairs despite numerous calls from forces allied to Deputy President William Ruto to retire.
But Maanzo says that the former Prime Minister might have already attempted to do it, but has not been allowed by his allies, who need him around for their political survival.
Speaking on Tuesday, the MP claimed that some politicians have been hanging on Raila's coat for survival, and are the same ones who keep encouraging him to stay put.
This is as he told those pushing for Raila's retirement that they could finally get their wish, but it will depend on the reaction from forces surrounding him.
"Usishangae akisema anaenda retire. Lakini wafuasi wake hawataki ili wavune kwake. Wanajua bila yeye hawawezi ndio maana wanamwambia aendelee," Maanzo said on Radio Maisha's Bunge La Maisha on Tuesday morning.
This translates to; "His retirement announcement shouldn't come as a shocker. But his allies don't want it to enable them to continue ripping from him. They know they are nothing without him hence the push for him to carry on."
He said that the same applies on President Uhuru Kenyatta and Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka who are the defacto kingpins of Central Kenya and Lower Eastern respectively.
"The same applies to Kalonzo and Uhuru (Hata ukiangalia Kalonzo na Uhuru ni hivohivo)," Maanzo noted.
While he has remained active, Raila is yet to declare his future political plans, especially regarding the 2022 presidential race, after four futile bids previously.