Makueni lawmaker Dan Maanzo has faulted Deputy President William Ruto over his recent claims that Raila Odinga is warming up for another presidential bid in the 2022 elections.
In reference to Daily Nation's headline on Sunday, the DP claimed that he has since gotten the hint that Raila will be taking his fifth shot at the top seat, adding that he is ready for the battle on condition that Raila promises to accept defeat.
However, speaking on Tuesday, the Wiper MP rubbished both the headline and Ruto's remarks, stating that Raila has never made such a declaration, and the headline might have been sponsored by Ruto's quarters for provocation.
"Raila has not announced his candidature, its Ruto's allies who sponsored it to provoke him (Raila hakutangaza anawania urais, ni wafuasi wa Ruto waliweka kwa magazeti kumchokoza)," he said.
He made the remarks on Radio Maisha's Bunge La Maisha show on Tuesday morning.
Maanzo further bashed Ruto for engaging in early campaigns in the name of launching projects and taking part in fundraisers.
He observed that the function which Ruto attended on Sunday was just another of his cross-county tours which he is using to drum up support for himself ahead of 2022.
He is also playing tricks. He was there in pursuit of presidential votes yet it's still very early (Pia ana ujanja kidogo maana hapo ameenda kutafuta kura za urais na bado ni mapema)," he added.