Hours after the conclusion of Migori senatorial by-election, Deputy President William Ruto has denied claims that he funded runners up Eddy Oketch.
The little known 27-year-old Yale graduate gave ODM a run for its money after staging a colourful campaign that saw him garner a Whopping 60,500 votes.
With eventual winner Ochillo Ayacko of ODM garnering 85,000 votes, a section of Orange House stalwarts accused Mr. Ruto of sponsoring the youthful politician.
But through his spokesman David Mugonyi, Ruto has distanced himself from the highly contested polls.
“First and foremost neither Raila nor Ruto was on the ballot. Neither do we know the candidate who gave ODM a run for its money.
“What is new, however, is how ODM has infected all its political sidekicks with this inexplicable animus. ODM’s minions now run about spewing undignified, hateful and shameful venom without rhyme or reason,” read Mugonyi’s statement.
In the region supposed to be ODM stronghold, Raila Odinga pitched tent in two days and his last minute entry is said to have saved the party from a possible humiliation.
The candidates were seeking to fill a vacancy occasioned by the death of Ben Oluoch of the Orange Democratic Movement party.
Party chairman John Mbadi had directly accused Ruto of financing Mr. Oketch, who had initially declared interest on ODM party.