Governor Wycliffe Oparanya is free to prepare for his first stab at presidency in 2022, Raila Odinga has reportedly told him.
Serving his second term, Oparanya will have his tenure expiring in 2022 thus need to focus beyond his Kakamega County.
At an interview with Citizen TV on Wednesday, Oparanya, who welcomed Raila in Naivasha during NEC on Wednesday, said he informed his party boss about his plans.
"I sat next to him and briefly him about my intentions. I will be retiring as governor so there is need to expand the scope," he said.
The ODM deputy leader added: "Raila was happy about it and told me to try my luck. I will be moving across the country to popularize my bid."
Last week, Raila dismissed reports that he is planning to try his fifth stab at presidency, adding that he is only focused on implementing his agreement with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Among those who have declared interest to be president include William Ruto, Gideon Moi, Hassan Joho, Kalonzo Musyoka and Musalia Mudavadi.