I Don't Owe You, You Abandoned Me in 2013: Mudavadi Responds to DP William Ruto

I owe you no political debt, Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi has told Deputy President William Ruto.

On Saturday, Ruto said Mudavadi and opposition leader Raila Odinga owe him after he rallied behind them in 2007 election and should pay back by throwing their weight behind his 2022 presidential bid.

"But our victory was stolen [2007] and the country broke lose. We fought hard as ODM to reclaim the lost victory until a negotiated deal was reached through a peace accord spearheaded by the late Kofi Annan," Ruto noted.

“After we lost the president’s and vice president seats, the one that was available was the prime minister’s post that was supposed to be mine. But my good brothers shared that position. Raila became prime minister and Musalia the deputy prime minister,” said Ruto.

“Help me convince my two brothers (Raila and Mudavadi) to support me in 2022 because I left the premier’s post and they shared it between themselves,” said Ruto.

“Please Musalia, my friend, I humbly plead… I am the one who is now close to the presidency, help me get there.”

In response, Mudavadi instead accused Ruto and President Kenyatta of shortchanging him after initially promising to back his candidature in 2013.

"I don't owe anyone. If you are ready to battle out, just join us. We shall settle that in ballot. I remember how you [Ruto] also promised to support me inside my house only to abandon me in 2013," said Mudavadi.