Ex-Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale now says it will be difficult for any candidate to defeat Deputy President William Ruto in 2022 polls.
The DP has been traversing the country since last year in the pretext of launching projects, a move that has irked a section of Jubilee leaders opposed to him.
At Karen on Wednesday, Dr Khalwale said Luhya people should not make another mistake of backing a losing candidate in 2022 polls.
The former senator, now a staunch supporter of Deputy President William Ruto, said Mr Odinga will lose to Ruto in 2022 and the two will have a handshake.
"I am right that in 2022, Mudavadi and Wetangula will run but will not win. We shall work with someone who shall win. We cannot be out of government for years because our elder brother has miscalculated.
"Ruto is a clear front runner who is going to win. We said Uhuru and Ruto cannot win but our prediction didn't work. We cannot gamble this time because Raila will lose and have a handshake with Ruto. We cannot be abandoned this time," he said.
The former Prime Minister has often dismissed claims that he's keen to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta, arguing that his interest is to have a united country.
Contrary to his previous close relationship with the media, he has often clashed with media houses over claims that he will be on ballot in 2022.
“Raila Odinga strongly objects to reports appearing on the Sunday Nation that put him in a presidential race he has not declared any interest in and which does not exist currently,” said Odinga.
Mr Odinga reconciled with President Uhuru Kenyatta last year after 2017 divisive presidential polls. Since then, the two have closely worked together.