Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi has rubbished claims that he is against Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i's future political aspirations.
Maangi, who has been seen drawing closer to Deputy President William Ruto, said that having alliances with other leaders from outside should not be seen as undermining leaders from the region.
"The Gusii community is poised to have a major stake in the country’s political landscape but we can only achieve that by respecting elected leaders and appreciating those serving our people," he said in a statement.
The Deputy Governor also urged leaders from the area to focus on service delivery and shun spreading hate against others.
He urged regional politicians to stop hiding behind others for mileage in local politics.
Maangi was responding to accusations made by Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyoka that he is undermining the CS and scuttling Gusii's attempts to be the main player in 2022 polls.
Onyoka said that as supporters of the CS, they will be ready to battle any leader from the region appearing unwilling to join the bandwagon.
"It is now time for us to sit at the high political table with Dr Matiang’i being the community leader. The majority of elected leaders in Kisii and Nyamira counties are behind Matiang’i and I would like to tell Maangi and others who are fighting him that we are ready for a political face-off this year,” he said at a New Year's Eve event at Kisii High School grounds.
Matiang'i has been basking in endorsements from several Gusii region politicians, some of whom have endorsed him for president, though the CS has not made any declaration yet.