Kisii Deputy governor Joash Maangi greets Raila Odinga as Governor James Ongwae smiles away. [Photo/Raila Odinga Facebook page].
Its yet another blow to the Jubilee administration as Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi decamped back to ODM after two years of a cosy relationship with President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.
Maangi was often at the forefront hosting Deputy President William Ruto during his visits in the region and even accused Raila Odinga for devaluing the Abagusii community by referring to them as chicken.
Speculations had ensued that Maangi was set to leave Jubilee party which he had been drumming up support for and even dropped his post as Kisii county ODM organising secretary to chase the 'tuko pamoja' dream.
According to political analysts the decision was majorly caused by his defeat to Kisii Senator Chris Obure in the quest for Jubilee ticket in the county gubernatorial race where he was prevailed by DP Ruto to drop his bid in favor of Obure..
However, Maangi while speaking at Raila Odinga's Capitol Hill offices in Nairobi, he said the move was influenced by the voice of the voters in Kisii county.
"I am their leader...I can't let them walk alone," he said.
It is now reported that Maangi will now be the running mate to Kisii governor James Ongwae in the August 8 polls.
Leaders from Abagusii community from left: Timothy Bosire (MP), Joash Maangi (Kisii county), James Ongwae, and Senator Janet Ongera with Raila Odinga.