Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi, NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga with Kisii governor James Ongwae. [Photo/The Star.]
Abagusii community members living abroad have pleaded with NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga to reconsider his nomination of Kisii deputy governor Joash Maangi as governor James Ongwae's running mate.
"On behalf of the NASA diaspora liaison in charge of Raila's presidential campaign, we hereby request Raila and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to consider dropping Maangi, as Ongwae's running mate," said Joseph Lister Nyaringo, NASA Diaspora Liaison co-chair, who resides in New Jersey, USA.
They said Maangi's allegiance to ODM is questionable after two years of politically flirting with the Jubilee Party."While we understand that it's the prerogative of the current Kisii county Governor to appoint his running mate according to his wishes; we as bonafide supporters of ODM party and the entire NASA family will be betrayed should Maangi's candidature as Ongwae's deputy be withheld," Nyaringo said."If we can recall, Maangi's inconsistency is well captured. His endless trips to Deputy President's William Ruto's Sugoi home to declare allegiance to Jubilee party are still fresh in our memories. His dalliance with the current leadership was a slap on the face for the party that sponsored him to office. He cannot therefore be trusted in the ODM fraternity and the larger NASA coalition," Nyaringo said.They further claimed that Maangi can revert to his Jubilee songs once reelected."We know that Maangi was sent by Jubilee to negotiate as Ongwae's running mate in ODM so that the backlash from our supporters can benefit the Jubilee gubernatorial candidate, Senator Chris Obure. Remember, Maangi has a warm chemistry with Ruto who strives to have as many Jubilee governors as possible for his 2022 presidential bid," they said.