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Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria now claims that ODM leader Raila Odinga was ready to exit the political stage after his loss to President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017.

The lawmaker alleges that Raila reneged on his move after certain powerful forces allegedly convinced him to give the presidency a final stab.

Speaking at the signing of the Kenya Kwanza Coalition Agreement, the Chama Cha Kazi lawmaker alleged that the said forces compelled the Azimio leader to run for the presidency in order to offer them protection upon Uhuru’s retirement.

“I want to tell you something because you know Raila Odinga is my friend. I want to say it on record that Raila was ready to go home after 2017. It is some people who wanted protection, I don’t know for what, who stopped him from going home.

“It is only people who are guilty who go looking for people to protect them. Including a man who was ready to go and look after his grandchildren and stop him from going home. So my friend Raila, because I know you are being forced to run again, we shall help you by sending you home,” he said.

The ODM leader, who is vying for the presidency for the fifth time, has received a myriad of criticism since his bid is being backed by outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta.

His main competitor Deputy President William Ruto has christened him a state project stating that he is being fronted to safeguard the interests of certain powerful forces in and outside government.