Two Kwale gubernatorial candidates, Sammy Ruwa and Gereza Dena, have denied reports of being political projects.
The two leaders are accused by some politicians and residents of being financed to complicate the political arithmetic for other governor candidates.
The resident said the two have not been seen campaigning at the grassroots.
During the Kwale county governors’ debate, the duo said they are into politics out of their own volition and have not been influenced by anyone, but by the desire to serve and improve the lives of the residents.
Dena termed the accusations as “baseless propaganda.”
He told the panelists not to bring social media speculations into the debate, but strong evidence.
"Whoever is alleging that (I am a project) should be brought here and carry with them proof that I am their project and they are sponsoring me," he said.
The businessman said his dream to become Kwale governor is genuine because he has been trying since 2013.
Dena said it is now his third attempt to vie for the seat and won't be intimidated by opponents who use rumours as campaigning strategies.
The candidate is vying through a Kanu ticket.
Ruwa admitted that he is “a project, but sent by the Kwale residents.”
"Everyone is a project depending on who they are working for. And for this particular case, I am the people's project," he said.
The county speaker said he solemnly wants to serve and address Kwale residents' problems.
Ruwa is vying for the second time after his previous attempt flopped in 2017 when he was defeated by Governor Salim Mvurya.
He will be contesting through as independent candidate after falling out with ODM and Pamoja Africa Alliance parties.
Ruwa said he is determined to snatch the governor's seat and succeed Mvurya.
In the debate, the lawyer also denied the allegations levelled against him over the increased corruption of county projects and misuse of public resources under his watch as the assembly speaker.
Ruwa said his role was to manage the operations and sessions of the assembly and supervise workers.
"People tend to forget about my roles. It was to act as a referee and put everything in order; issues of legislation, oversight and representations are for MCAs," he said.
He said issues of corruption and embezzlement of public funds are the responsibility of the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission.
During the debate, Ruwa vowed to use technology to transform Kwale.
He said he will improve food security, water supply and education.
Dena also pledged good health services, water, agriculture and massive development.
The two, Ruwa and Dena, will be locking horns with Kwale Deputy Governor Fatuma Achani who has the support of the incumbent governor, Mvurya.
Others are former KPA employee Lung'anzi Chai (PAA), former Transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere (Wiper) and Hamadi Boga (ODM).
(edited by Amol Awuor)
