Two elected leaders from Rift Valley who are close to Deputy President William Ruto have promised to give Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho a run for his money as he campaigns in vote-rich region.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei on Monday said they will personally take on Joho and ensure he does not set up a political playing field in Rift Valley, a region deemed to be Ruto's political backyard.
According to Cherargei Joho's visit to the region may be meant to look for ways of crafting an alliance with Baringo Senator Gideon Moi.
"He should stop wasting his time in Rift Valley and should instead focus on strengthening NASA," Cherargei told a local Swahili newspaper.
"We won't give him time to play his politics in Rift Valley."
On Saturday, Joho flew to Kabarnet in Nakuru County where he met former President Daniel Arap Moi and details of what the three discussed in the brief meeting are still scanty.
After the meeting, the Mombasa County chief held a fundraiser and a series of rallies in Baringo and Samburu.
"We will not allow Joho to stop one of our own from ascending to State House," MP Sudi said.
Joho is on record having said he will vie for the presidency in 2022.