Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has defended his decision to boycott Bukhungu stadium rally, arguing that it was a coronation of Raila Odinga as presidential candidate.

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Thousands of Western Kenya residents and leaders attended the Building Bridges Initiative Bukhungu rally.

In an earlier tweet, Raila Junior told off Khalwale, arguing that he had decided to ditch the Western Kenya leadership which supports BBI.

"Has @KBonimtetezi removed himself from leadership in western, seems like all the western leaders are here Muda, Weta, Oparanya to name but a few ama? #BBIAtBukhungu," he said.

Moses Wetangula and Musalia Mudavadi we're surprise guests in the meeting, having castigated it earlier on.

In a response on Monday, Khalwale said the leaders had decided to back Raila Odinga's 2022 bid, adding that the team is disguising itself in BBI to push the 2022 elections agenda.

"The leaders you have named have decided to back your father's 2022 presidential bid, which is all that the BBI rallies are all about. Nothing wrong with that.On my part am with @WilliamsRuto. They have their following en we have ours. Be patient, the PEOPLE will decide," he said.

While Mr. Odinga is yet to declare his interest in 2022, a number of his close allies have hinted a possibility of him running for the fifth time.