The battle for the Coast region ahead of the 2022 election has taken a new twist after politicians who had declared their support for Deputy President William Ruto made hasty retreat saying they were still in ODM amid claims of hostile ground.
The region which has been ODM leader Raila Odinga loyal support base for the last three general elections has however been wavering of late amid Ruto's onslaught as he lays ground for his 2022 State House bid.
As a result, a number of MPs affiliated to Raila's ODM were slowly starting to sing to the tune of the DP.
But a good number of those MPs have now denied supporting the DP saying they are firmly behind Raila.
"We have not rebelled against the party and our association with the Deputy President William Ruto was in the spirit of the handshake. We are following the footsteps of our party leader Mr. Odinga who decided to work with Jubilee," said Kaloleni MP Paul Katana.
His sentiment was echoed by the vocal Kilifi North lawmaker Owen Baya who said that the handshake allowed them to work with the government including Ruto.