Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale now claims residents of the Western Kenya region have vowed to rally behind Deputy President William Ruto's 2022 presidential bid.
Referring to him as a 'trusted neighbour', Khalwale said the region, which is dominated by the Luhya community, will work with Ruto in his ambition to be Kenya's fifth president.
The former lawmaker made the remarks while hailing residents of Nabwani after they gave the DP arousing welcome when he toured the area to support a women's empowerment project and commissioning street lights at Sabatia Trading Centre, Vihiga County.
"Thank you my brothers and sisters for this great show of love and affection when we came to Sabatia Constituency today (Saturday) for empowerment of our women. William Ruto, our people have consciously decided to work with you as a trusted neighbour," Khalwale tweeted after the rally.
He said the huge crowd that gathered at Nabwani Primary School to welcome Ruto was out of love for him, and slammed his critics who claim he ferries people from his backyard to attend the DP rallies whenever in Western Kenya.
"As usual you will hear those who live in denial say here that I ferried people from Kakamega to the rally!" he said.
Vihiga County is considered Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi's political stronghold having represented Sabatia Constituency for several terms in Parliament.
Khalwale said Western Kenya does not belong to any politician and affirmed that Ruto will continue making inroads in the populous region.
"The Deputy President has been to Hamisi, Luanda and Emuhaya. Now he is here in Sabatia, the engine of Vihiga County. The answer to attaining leadership is by making political friendship. Ruto has the opportunity of winning the election," he said.