Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Friday snubbed pressure from Kisii leaders to endorse Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiangi for the presidency in 2022.
A section of Gusii leaders has been mounting pressure on the ODM leader to consider endorsing Matiang'i for the top seat.
Speaking in Nyaribari Masaba Constituency during the burial of former area MP Dr Hezron Manduku, Raila maintained that Matiang'i is his son and as a father, he understands what is best for him.
"I don't need to be introduced to Matiang'i. He is my son. Kisii is my home. Go slow, I know how to plan on this," he said.
Raila also warned politicians against engaging in early campaigns clearly stating that 2022 is far.
He called for time to allow him, President Uhuru Kenyatta and CS Matiang'i to unite Kenyans through the handshake.
"2022 if far. Let's put politics aside. Time is coming. We are committed to uniting Kenyans. Let's avoid early campaigns. The best time for politics is ahead," said Raila.
On his part, Dr Matiang'i avoided politics and assured that he is committed to his job as a CS.
"It's my time to work. If it's closing all bars to count people, that is it and we mean business. I know you want me to say something, but i will say when its right time comes," he said.
"I must work very hard so that I don't shame my God and my community at large. Lets always work in truth and serve this country," added the CS.
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