ODM secretary for political affairs Opiyo Wandayi insists that Raila Odinga's popularity has substantially increased thus he will not hang boots soon.
At a function in Machakos last month, Raila said he is interested to 'settle 2017' issues before going for retire.
"Let us not debate on 2022 because for now we have must deal with 2017 issues. When that time comes, we shall support Kalonzo Musyoka," he said.
But with a backlash on NASA co-principals following their decision to skip Raila's swearing-in,Raila is set to make tough choices in coming weeks.
And Opiyo, a close lieutenant of Raila, insists that the country needs Raila in future more than ever before.
"Baba's (Raila) opinion rating is higher than before. In deed, his popularity continues to sour by the day.
"The kind of confidence Kenyans have shown in him only means they want him to lead them to a foreseeable future therefore the question of retirement does not arise," he told Sunday Nation.
Succession politics have both hit Raila's NASA and ODM party with Musyoka and Musalia Mudavadi seeking to inherit his support base.