Kisii County Deputy Governor Joash Maangi on Friday asked residents not to crucify him because of attending funeral ceremonies.
Maangi made the remarks during a funeral at Bonyagatanyi village, Nyakoe Ward, Kisii County.
Mr Maangi said a section of residents is unhappy with him because he has been attending several burial ceremonies in the county.
"I hear some people questioning why I like attending funeral ceremonies in different parts of the county. I should be allowed to condole with families who have lost their loved ones because that is the same direction we are headed to," said the deputy governor amid cheers from the crowd.
Maangi noted that his rivals should stop using social media users to criticise him whenever he posts condolence messages on his social media accounts.
"I'm not the only person who posts condolence messages on social media. Even President Uhuru Kenyatta uses his social media pages to mourn people. Why should my messages look strange to some few individuals? I have a right to the freedom of expression just like any other Kenyan," he added.
The ODM allied politician assured residents that he won't stop attending burial ceremonies despite the sharp criticism from rivals.
"We need to live together as one community. Divisions won't help anyone in their economic, social, and spiritual growth," said Maangi.