Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has defended his newly-found union and political bromance with Deputy President William Ruto.
Khalwale, formerly a strong opposition figure, has been seen to speak in favour of the DP lately and has also declared support for his (Ruto) 2022 presidential ambitions.
Speaking on Wednesday, he admitted to having been bashed by persons opposed to the union, some of whom he said are accusing him of being bought over, especially on social media.
However, he noted that he only took a stand and is not with the DP for any personal gain.
"Mimi 'sijanunuliwa' na mtu yeyote, nimechukua msimamo wangu na nikaamua nitachukua mkondo huu (Nobody has 'bought' me, I only took a personal stand and decided to move in this direction)," he said.
Khalwale spoke on Radio Citizen's Jambo Kenya on Wednesday morning.
He wondered why he was never branded a political broker in the previous elections, after supporting opposition leader Raila Odinga and Amani National Oncgress (ANC) boss Musalia Mudavadi in 2017 and 2013 respectively.
"Wanaosema nimenunuliwa waseme nililipwa pesa ngapi nilipomuunga mkono Raila na nilipokufa na Mudavadi 2013.
(Let the ones saying I have been 'bought' reveal that amount I was given when I supported Raila and Mudavadi in 2013)," he added.
However, despite being very vocal about the DP's bid, Khalwale who unsuccessfully vied for the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in 2017 remains silent on his 2022 plans.