Kisii County Deputy Governor Joash Maangi has said that Deputy President William Ruto is his friend.
Maangi who was among the leaders who welcomed DP Ruto at Ekerenyo Stadium in Nyamira County on Monday said his presence at the function has nothing to do with 2022 polls.
The DG argued that he was invited to attend the function by DP Ruto.
"Ruto is not my enemy it is only that we are in different political parties. I wish to confirm that DP Ruto is my friend and I do not feel bad when he visits Kisii or Nyamira to bring development to our people," noted Maangi.
Maangi who is expected to run for the Kisii County gubernatorial seat in 2022 said DP Ruto's numerous trips to the vote-rich Gusii region should not be politicised.
He urged politicians in the region to stop viewing Ruto as an enemy, arguing that the DP has been traversing the country with an aim of helping Kenyans.
"Divisive politics will derail development. When DP Ruto is invited to grace fund drives, it is not good for petty politics to be played," he added.
Among the leaders who joined DP Ruto at Ekerenyo include South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro, North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko and West Mugirango MP Vincent Kemosi.