Controversial Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria insists he no longer supports Deputy President William Ruto's bid despite the duo making several trips around the country together last year.
At Citizen TV on Wednesday, Kuria also dismissed claims that he's been a member of Tanga Tanga movement, a campaign team associated with the Deputy President.
"I don't know that thing called Tanga Tanga. I have never been its member so kindly don't draw me to that. I am only hearing that from the media," he said.
He added: "I used to support the DP until I read the constitution that anybody with qualifications of MP can be president. That's why I detached myself from him to push for my bid. He's now my competitor."
Asked whether his decision was orchestrated by State House, Kuria vehemently denied, insisting that President Uhuru Kenyatta has never at any time compelled someone to do something that belongs to one's choice.
He said he decided to run because he also has qualifications as enshrined in the constitution of the Republic of Kenya.
"Uhuru is a gentleman and he can't be petty. Whatever being peddled is pettiness by some people who lost relevance. It's high time they wake up to reality."
Mr Kuria has been a key figure in Ruto's Mt Kenya campaign team and often finding himself on receiving end from MPs allied to President Uhuru Kenyatta's camp.