The populous Meru region will only vote for Deputy President William Ruto should he pick ex-governor Peter Munya as his running mate, Tigania East MP Josphat Gichunge has said.
Last week, elders from the region also insisted that they will negotiate with all candidates before making a choice in 2022.
But through Gichunge, the leaders insisted that Munya's track record vindicates him as a certified performer who can deputise Ruto.
"In 2022, we will support Ruto but with one condition, he picks Peter Munya as his deputy. The Meru community has never held such a position," he said on Friday.
"Gideon Moi is weak politically, unpopular and does not know the real needs of people," added the MP.
Initially, a section of Meru leaders had also backed Tharaka-Nithi senator Kindiki Kithure for the top post, a matter that could now ignite political rivalry.
Also, Meru region has asked the DP to ignore the Central Kenya region in his pick since it has produced three presidents.