Dismissing the Mt Kenya voting block has been the biggest mistake in the political life of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Nyeri Town lawmaker Ngunjiri Wambugu has said.
Speaking on Wednesday, the MP noted that Raila seems not to understand that he cannot achieve his presidential bid without being in good terms with Mt Kenya region.
Ngunjiri now says that having been an advisor to Raila in 2013, he learnt that he has not been keen on winning over the region.
"I was Raila Odinga’s political advisor in 2013. The only one thing he had not understood is that you cannot wish away Kikuyus from national politics," he said.
He made the remarks during an interview on KTN's Pointblank, where he noted that the Mt Kenya vote remains the prettiest girl in the room ahead of the 2022 general polls.
He said that whoever wants to make any major political step in the country will have to reach out to the region, or risk failing, terming its consideration very vital.
"There is no way you can have a political conversation in this country without considering Mt Kenya," he added.
Currently, the region which has in the past been behind President Uhuru Kenyatta appears divided, with a section of leaders rallying behind his deputy William Ruto.
Under the tag Tangatanga, the pro-Ruto group had been endorsing his 2022 presidential ambitions, in defiance to Uhuru's warnings against early campaigns.
Raila has, on the other hand, remained silent on his plans, leaving politicians and Kenyans speculating if he will be on the ballot in 2022.