A former Kitutu Masaba MP has dismissed claims that he was intending to be the running mate of the incumbent Governor John Nyagarama in 2017 polls.
The former legislator described the speculation as "character assassination" and insisted that he was firm in the race for the gubernatorial seat.
Mwancha Okioma, who served as Kitutu Masaba MP between 2003-08 finished fourth in 2013 gubernatorial race and has recently been linked with a possible amalgamation with Nyagarama’s team by senior politicians from the region.
On Sunday, area politician Evans Misati who is also eyeing the seat had labeled Okioma as a ‘disgrace’ to Bogetutu politics and urged area residents to dismiss his quest.
“I have been labeled a disgrace and a rebel in Bogetutu politics, but that isn’t true. I am never and will never be a running mate to anybody. I am concentrating on working closely with residents because I know they will give me the chance to serve them as Governor.
I am in the race to stay and those who are spreading innuendos and assassinating my character will be shocked,” Okioma said.
Okioma who was meeting a section of elders from his political base in Riakworo on Tuesday said he was not ready to be associated with "corrupt regimes" and dismissed the alleged partnership as "mixing oil with water".
“I am a clean man and trying to associate me with a corrupt regime is spoiling my credentials. It is not possible to mix water with oil and that will be the case if I became the running-mate of the incumbent,” he said.
He, however, insisted on the need to work with the days government to spur growth at the grassroots.
“Being in opposition doesn’t mean we criticise everything. We must work together as a team and that is necessary. Politics should be structured in a manner that doesn't hamper development,” he said