Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has ruled out working with President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 vote.
Some media reports had alluded to the one-time vice president being baited by Ruto's emissaries to join the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Reacting to the reports, Kalonzo termed them diversionary, which were aimed at causing disquiet in the opposition.
He said he could not work with Ruto owing to a number of factors, including the atrocities committed on young Kenyans.
Kalonzo restated his apparent resolve to side with the common citizenry.
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"This is all diversionary and a poor attempt to divide the United Opposition. I cannot work with or meet up with people with Gen Z blood on their hands, including that of Albert Ojwang. Kenyans know the truth, Mr HalfTam: I will always be on the side of the people," he said.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has been leading the calls to court Kalonzo into Ruto's fold.
Speaking during the empowerment programmes in the Ukambani region, Kindiki observed that Kalonzo was not cut out for the abrasive kind of politics he currently engages in in the company of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and other opposition honchos.
Kindiki said he would be looking for the Wiper leader for a possible political partnership with Ruto ahead of the next general election.
Kalonzo has declared his bid for the presidency, insisting on being on the ballot in 2027 after shelving the bid three times in favour of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
He was last on the presidential ballot in 2007, when he finished third in the presidential election marred by violence.
Kalonzo served as the late Mwaki Kibaki's vice president; in 2013, he shelved his bid to support Raila, who was seeking the presidency for the third time.
The Wiper leader shelved his bids also nin 2017 and 2022, supporting Raila in all the instances.
