Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi has turned down Deputy President William Ruto's support request.
Speaking in Shibuli, Kakamega county, during the thanksgiving ceremony of Lurambi lawmaker Bishop Titus Khamala on Saturday, Ruto claimed that the helped Mudavadi become Deputy Prime Minister in the 2008-2013 grand coalition government system.
The DP added that he deserved either the post or the higher Prime Ministerial slot that was taken by opposition leader Raila Odinga, basing on his big role in the Orange party's presidential campaigns in 2007.
He, therefore urged Mudavadi to support his 2022 presidential bid as a thank you token, pleading with him to not spoil his chances now that he is closer to the seat.
"I helped Mudavadi by letting him take the seat which would have been mine otherwise and it is time he supported me in return. Kindly Mudavadi consider my request," he said.
"I am almost there, the seat is only a few steps away. My friends, please help me convince him to back me because I am more closer than both him and Raila," he pleaded with the crowd.
But in response, Mudavadi who was once the Vice President poked holes into Ruto's claims, maintaining that he doesn't owe him anything.
This, he said, also applies on his Luhya community, advising the DP to search for votes on other grounds.
"You must know that we do not owe you anything. The only thing we owe you is respect which we have for everyone else," said Mudavadi who has also announced his presidential bid in the same race.