Meru Governor Peter Munya has said his frosty relationship with Deputy President William Ruto began when he announced his bid for the 2022 presidency.
Munya at an interview on Wednesday at a local radio station said he will not be intimidated to shelve his presidential ambition.
"The problem began when I announced that I will be vying for the presidency in 2022," he said.
"The real issue is that they want everybody to follow them but unfortunately, it will not happen."
Munya, who is the Council of Governors Chairman said the party through which he was elected in 2013- Party of National Unity- will not be dissolved to join President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee Party.
"I will vie for the presidency and I want every Kenyan to know that," Munya added.
"My party is PNU and anyone who thinks the party will dissolve is wrong."
Ruto, according to an MoU his former party URP signed with Uhuru's TNA in 2013 will vie for the presidency in 2022 and is expected to receive support from Central Kenya.
He is, however, facing stiff competition from a section of Jubilee Party politicians also interested in taking over power from Uhuru.
Among those who have already shown interest for the top seat include former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth.