[Kisii Governor James Ongwae and his deputy Joash Maangi in a past event. The two were sworn in for a second term on Monday. Maangi had ditched Ongwae before making a u-turn.Photo/Star]
Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi was on Monday sworn in for a second term alongside Governor James Ongwae.
Three months ago, Maangi's political future appeared uncertain after he made an unexpected move-to ditch ODM for Jubilee Party where he was to face off with outgoing Senator Chris Obure for the party ticket to challenge Ongwae.
He suffered the first blow when Uhuru Kenyatta-led party gave Obure direct nomination, a move that left Mangi with one alternative- to be Obure's running mate.
Initially, it appeared that he would play second fiddle to the Jubilee candidate Chris Obure. However, it was never to be as the Obure picked Ken Nyaundi as his number two.
Maangi was left isolated with the Jubilee leadership asking him to drop his bid and instead support Obure and be considered for a government appointment if Jubilee forms the next government.
Quick to save his political career which was at risk, the Deputy Governor made a u-turn and rejoined ODM, the party he had turned against.
Luckily, by the time he rejoined the orange party, Ongwae was still shopping for a new running mate and he was easily accepted even as the pair went on to win the seat after defeating Maangi's erstwhile friend, Obure.
Had he (Maangi) stayed in Jubilee, his political future would have another story altogether.