Deputy President William Ruto has praised Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala and his predecessor Boni Khalwale for agreeing to work together ahead of the August 9, polls.
The DP praised the two for the sacrifice they made even as he confirmed that he oversaw the negotiations that led to the two leaders agreeing to work together.
"We have listened and agreed with them. Boni Khalwale has accepted to run for Senator for Kakamega county and ceded ground for Malala to run for Governor for Kakamega," Ruto said.
He added: "On behalf of my team, I wish to thank the two leaders, especially Khalwale. We have agreed that his sacrifice will not go unrewarded. Going into the future, we will form a team that will work for the people of Kakamega and Kenya".
ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi also congratulated the two leaders and urged other Kenya Kwanza leaders to follow suit ahead of the August 9, polls.
"We want to appreciate the magnality of Boni Khalwale because he is also a formidable leader in this country. What they have done sets an example that we want to pursue in dealing with our members of Kenya kwanza in other areas," Mudavadi said.
Malala on his part was full of gratitude to Khalwale for ceding ground for him.
“I am immensely humbled by my political father Boni Khalwale's selfless sacrifice and humility in ceding ground and agreeing to run for Senator Kakamega County as I run for Governor Kakamega County 2022,” Malala said.
“It is not the easiest of decisions he ever made and may the almighty God bless him and the entire Kenya Kwanza Alliance coalition for steering this delicate intricate talks. Sasa tuchape kazi. Time to roll up the sleeves and get dirty".
Khalwale confirmed that he has dropped his bid to Malala and said he will now focus on national politics.
"After intensive consultations, soul searching, reading from the script of Michael Kijana Wamalwa & in keeping with my iconic mantra of decisive leadership, I've today happily opted to return to National politics leaving Malala to steer Kakamega County," he wrote on Facebook.
Edited by B. Marita
