Kisii deputy governor has declared interest in the county governor post ahead of 2017 general election.
Joash Maangi’s announcement comes barely two days after former CIC chairman Charles Nyachae also declared interest in the seat, which has also seen South Mugirango MP Manson Nyamweya announce his candidature.
Maangi who was speaking to the press in his office on Monday said he was not ready to play second fiddle and insisted that he had all qualities to lead the South Nyanza county.
“I have all that is required to be governor and no one can stop me from doing that. I cannot be someone’s running mate and people should know that. I have consulted my people and they have given me an okay. For the doubting Thomases, they should keep watching the pace,” he said.
Asked why he openly declared interest yet he has never been involved in a serious row with his boss (governor James Ongwae), he said it was his constitutional right to vie, adding that his intention is to wipe out corruption in the county.
“I think people know that deputy governors have limited jurisdiction and it’s difficult to deal with certain shortcomings. There is massive corruption in our county and I cannot just sit and watch things happen. I will wipe out corruption once in office,” he said.
Maangi’s decision may be precipitated by recent pressure by a section of MCAs led by Kiogoro Ward Representative Samuel Apoko who demanded that governor Ongwae picks Nominated Senator Janet Ongera as his running mate, accusing Maangi of being disloyal to the ODM party.