Speculations about Raila Odinga and ODM party came to a dramatic end on Monday after the veteran leader declared that the party will field a candidate in 2022 polls.
Last week, the party's delegates demanded to know whether the Raila would be on ballot as confusions engulfed the Orange team.
"At the moment there is confusion on whether he will be on ballot or not. We want him to tell us so that we plan well as a party," a member of NEC was quoted by local media.
But at Mombasa, Raila dismissed claims that the meeting was called out of panic emanating from DP William Ruto's forays in the region.
And through his confidant Hassan Joho, Raila, who stayed clearly off the subject, said the party is strong and will field a candidate.
"Those loitering around saying ODM is dead are wrong. The party is strong and regardless of who, we shall field a candidate in 2022," said Joho.
Within the Orange party, both governors Joho (Mombasa) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega) have declared interest in the top seat.
However, Ruto has launched a vicious campaign in Raila's perceived strongholds with coastal region feeling his heat.