Politics surrounding the Ministry of Agriculture and maize farmers could reignite sharp differences between Raila Odinga and Mwangi Kiunjuri.
The two politicians have enjoyed fairly good relationship since March last year after Mr Odinga reconciled with President Uhuru Kenyatta in what is famously called Handshake.
Earlier this week, Kiunjuri insisted that the country will import maize from other countries, raising tension between farmers and government.
"He (Wekesa) has no courtesy for the PS and the CS and has shown no respect for the last two weeks. Any other body that would like to issue a statement on maize imports cannot do that because the ministry has the final say."
But on Thursday, a delegation from Strategic Food Reserve Trust Fund led by Noah Wekesa pitched tent at Raila's office where they briefed him about the planned importation, which they rejected.
In a statement on Friday, Mr Odinga rejected Kiunjuri's proposal to import maize, arguing that the move would curtail efforts by local farmers who have 'more to offer'.
“I held wide consultations with farmers and their representatives, and with the Strategic Food Reserve Trust Fund (SFRTF)," he said in a statement to newsrooms.
"I am convinced that something is amiss and that the country may be getting dragged into the routine of artificial, ministry-made grain shortages to allow importation by a cartel in and out of government while consumers and farmers suffer."
According to Mr Wekesa, who had also differed with Kiunjuri, the country has enough maize which can be collected by farmers in Western and North Rift.
“Sometime in September, we are going to start receiving maize from farmers in western regions and Bomet,” Mr Wekesa said.