Amidst claims that leaders allied to Deputy President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i could take off against each other next Sunday, Borabu MP Ben Momanyi has downplayed the reports.
The two teams will likely share podium on Sunday at Kerumbe in Borabu where the billionaire entrepreneur Stephen Mogeni will be laid to rest.
For months now, Dr Ruto and Matiang'i's team have been going ballistic against each other, with the contest for over a million votes from Gusii being on cards.
Although Matiang'i is yet to declare interest in the presidency, all indications are that he will be joining national politics in 2022 polls.
In an exclusive phone interview, Momanyi faulted reports that the two camps are plotting for a major showdown on Sunday at the funeral.
"I think we are being speculative. No sane leader can sit down and plan how to politic in a funeral. It's not our wish that we attend funerals.
"I will be the Mcee and I don't think people will come to tell us about Matiang'i and Ruto stuff. There are compelling national issues that we can discuss other than 2022," he said.
Ironically, about there weeks ago, Mr Momanyi asked ODM leader Raila Odinga to support Dr Matiang'i in 2022 during the burial of Dr Hezron Manduku.
Ruto has visited Kisii and Nyamira Counties for around 20 times, often managing to get support from a number of MPs. Around 9 MPs support his bid.
Mr Mogeni died last Sunday due to old age related diseases. He is the proprietor of multi-million Mogeni Factory in North Mugirango/Borabu that was established in 2013.
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