West Pokot Governor John Longanyapuo on Friday held closed-door meeting with Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi amid calls to join DP William Ruto's Tanga Tanga team.
But the meeting focused on restoring peace within Kerio Valley which has seen several people die due to increased banditry activities in the region.
The troubled West Pokot, Elgeyo-Marakwet and Baringo borders has resulted to monitoring from the national government, with Dr Fred Matiang'i visiting in the past.
At the meeting, Sudi, a proponent of Tanga Tanga brigade, briefed Longanyapuo about the ongoing meetings between local leaders to restore peace.
"This morning, I received Kapseret MP Hon Oscar Sudi who paid a courtesy call.He briefed me on the peace efforts spearheaded by elected leaders in the border of Elgeyo-Marakwet and West Pokot counties," said Longanyapuo.
The meeting comes amid ongoing campaigns between Ruto and Gideon Moi to have the KANU governor on their side. Prof Longanyapuo is said to be very popular in Northern Kenya.
In June this year, Turkana Governor Josephat Nanok urged the outspoken governor to join Dr Ruto's team. The former PS however said he will work with the leader who may spur development in the region.
“There is no time to campaign for a referendum before 2022 elections and if it will be there we will wait out. I urge West Pokot governor John Lonyangapuo to support our deputy president to clinch the presidential seat in 2022,” said Nanok.
While Longanyapuo has met DP Ruto twice since April, he's yet to hold a meeting with his party boss Gideon Moi. They last met at Kabarak when Jonathan Moi died.
Later this month, the North Rift leaders will be meeting at Kerio Valley where Prof Longanyapuo is set to attend. Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen confirmed the meeting.
"Met with Hon @bkamket MP Tiaty Constituency to discuss peace solutions in Keriovalley. Will visit Keriovalley together from 25/7/2019 for Joint Meetings and talk to our people coexist together," he said.