A former nominated senator has refuted claims that opposition leader Raila Odinga introduced Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho into politics.

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Beatrice Elachi who is the current Nairobi County Assembly Speaker said without Deputy President Wlliam Ruto, Joho's political star may not have risen.Elachi who unsuccessfully contested for the Dagoretti North MP seat said Ruto played an instrumental role in grooming Joho’s political abilities and the former Kisauni MP should thus respect the Deputy President."We all know that the Deputy President groomed Governor Joho and Mishi Mboko (Likoni MP)," she said during an interview on Radio Jambo on Sunday."Joho should reciprocate this support by supporting Ruto's presidential bid in 2022. In 2007, all these people were in ODM and Ruto spent most of his time showing young politicians direction,” she added.Joho first contested for the MP seat (Kisauni) in 2007 under the ODM party which Ruto was a member then.By then, Ruto was vying for the Eldoret North seat which he successfully clinched. He was a member of the ODM's high decision-making body and wielded immense influence within the party."I am happy that these two (Ruto and Joho) are now in the same camp after the President met NASA leader Raila Odinga. Ruto's quest to ascend to State House is now easy," Elachi said.