Kisii County Deputy Governor Joash Maangi has called on Kisii residents not to crucify him for being close with DP William Ruto.
Maangi said residents have been calling him names over his alliance with DP Ruto.
"I have been close with DP Ruto for development purposes. Kisii residents should stop calling me names just because I chose to be close to him," he said.
According to Maangi, Ruto has been his long-term friend irrespective of the different political parties they are supporting.
"I and Ruto have been close friends. I don't see any problem being close to him since we are all leaders. I have not jumped ship to Jubilee party where DP Ruto is a member," he said.
Maangi maintained that he is extending the handshake to everyone after NASA leader Raila Odinga agreed to shake hands with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
"We should implement the historic handshake between NASA leader Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta and that is what I am exactly doing by working with any leader irrespective of his or her political party. I am not an enemy to Kisii electorates by being close with DP Ruto," he added.
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