Two MPs from Gusii region were involved in an intense debate following Sunday's unprecedented standoff between Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i and Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot.

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At the burial of Mzee Stephen Mogeni in Nyamira, Senator Cheruiyot alleged that Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i held a closed-door meeting with DP William Ruto following a plot to impeach him.

"The DP called me, I rushed to his office and found Matiang'i. He asked me why we were on Matiang'i's neck. Because it was ODM people led by Moses Kajwang who were planning it, we thwarted the move," he claimed.

But in response, a furious Matiang'i accused Senator Cheruiyot of lying to 'his people' over the meeting, adding that he has never held any meeting with Dr Ruto.

"I was raised in a Christian family and Senator Cheruiyot you've lied to our people. This is what these people do thinking that we are fools. I have never sat with Ruto anywhere," he said.

Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka and his South Mugirango counterpart Sylvanus Osoro have differed over the sentiments, another indication of huge rift among Gusii leaders.

Osoro, a confidant of Dr Ruto, accused Dr Matiang'i of being emotional over non-issues, adding that he misinterpreted Senator Cheruiyot's message.

"The CS overreacted to a mere political statement. Senator Cheruiyot only meant that there is no rift between Matiang'i and Ruto or the Abagusii and Kalenjins are brothers. The minister should have taken the statement lightly whether or not he met with DP. He's unaccommodating."

But Onyonka, who closely works with Dr Matiang'i, insisted that Cheruiyot lied to the public, adding that it's now a norm by Ruto's camp to mislead people.

"I have always told you that we should be truthful in politics. It's pointless to lie. The truth is, CS never met Ruto. The DP's team thrives on propaganda. He has always had issues with the DP."

For months now, Dr Matiang'i and Ruto have been walking on different paths. Early this year, a team allied to Ruto threatened to impeach him in Parliament.

In Kisii and Nyamira, differences between the two have escalated, with both having their own factions to spearhead their agendas. Dr Matiang'i is keen to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta just like Ruto.