Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has denied claims of cowardice after quitting the governor race.
He said he stepped down for Senator Cleophas Malala for the sake of Luhya unity within Kenya Kwanza.
Khalwale will instead go for the senatorial position under the UDA ticket.
Khalwale spoke in Malava constituency on Saturday, during the funeral of the son of journalist Jacktone Shayo.
Shayo is also vying for the Shirugu-Mugai ward MCA seat.
Khalwale held that there was a hard-line stand from the ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi who demanded that the governor's position must go to his party.
"When I joined Deputy President William Ruto more than 5 years ago Mudavadi and Wetang'ula refused to come with me, I have been with Ruto until they joined recently," he said.
"Mudavadi demanded that since he had shelved his presidential ambition for Ruto, his party should be given the Kakamega governor position."
Khalwale said he was reluctant at first but on a second thought and inspiration from leaders like Soita Shitanda, George Kapten, Wamalwa Kijana and Masinde Muliro he stepped down for the sake of the Luhya and UDA unity.
Khalwale reiterated that he is still the strongest candidate for the position if he were to run.
"I took this decision just because I wanted the children, women and the Luhya community to enjoy the fruits of being in government. But non of the contenders for the position matches my popularity as well as the level of education," Khalwale said.
He stated that if Kenya kwanza takes over the government after August 9, Luhyas will have a big stake and a fair share of the national cake.
"If we win we shall get 7 ministerial seats, 14 permanent secretaries and 30% of the development budget," he said.
"I would rather lose the gubernatorial position for my people to enjoy all these things."
Khalwale also revealed that during the difficult decision making, UDA held that Malala will take Beatrice Inyangala as his running mate.
Inyangala was Khalwale's runing mate before he dropped his gubernatorial bid.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
