Makueni Member of Parliament Dan Maanzo now says that Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga should not be expected in the presidential ballot in 2022.
This comes at a time when Raila's allies have been pressuring President Uhuru Kenyatta to endorse him as his successor, in line with the spirit of their 2018 handshake.
However, Maanzo, a close ally of Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) leader Raila Odinga now says that Raila personally told him he will not be in the race, recently.
He told the standard that the former Prime Minister was categorical on the issue, proof thsy he will keep off the contest, at a time when Raila's allies have bene insinuating otherwise.
Speaking on Friday, Siaya Senator James Orengo and National Assembly Minority Leader John Mbadi both called upon Uhuru to rally behind Raila, terming him his best successor.
Mbadi said that itsvonly trough Raila that Uhuru can realize his dream of seeing the nation successfully fighting and flooring the corruption dragon.
“One thing that Kenyans are agreeable is that there is too much corruption. The fight against corruption cannot be won in three or four years but a longer period which will go past 2022. You cannot leave that fight to someone who does not believe in rooting out the vice,” Mbadi was quoted by the Standard.
Similar calls have been made been made by Makadara MP George Aladwa, another ally of Raila, who argues that the handshake spirit should continue past 2022.
“Now we have peace and the economy is doing well. Kenyans are living without hatred and tribalism. As ODM, we fully call on Uhuru to fully support Raila in 2022,” said Aladwa.
However, Raila has personally remained silent on his intentions for 2022, after four futile bids in the past.