Mwingi Central MP Gideon Mulyungi has rubbished claims going round in some media outlets that seven MPs and himself who met Deputy President William Ruto two weeks ago were paid Sh50,000 each for fuel.
Speaking to journalists at Neema AIC Church in Mwingi town, Kitui County on Monday, Mulyungi termed the reports as false and meant to tarnish their names.
He said people spreading the false information on media are enemies of development who want the Ukambani region to remain poor.
Mulyungi said the MPs requested for the meeting and went to see DP Ruto at their own expenses.
"It is ridiculous for some people to peddle false claims that we were paid money during our visit to the Deputy President," Mulyungi said.
Mulyungi said they would have requested for billions if they wanted money from the deputy president.
The Wiper MP maintained that their meeting with Ruto was meant to discuss Ukambani development and not 2022 politics.
He said they will be meeting the DP again to discuss key development projects in Ukambani.
"We struck a deal with DP that will see the Jubilee government revive key industries not only in Kitui but across Ukambani," he added.
The meeting between the MPs and DP Ruto has elicited speculations that the Deputy President is eyeing to partner with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka in the 2022 general election.