Kisii County Deputy Governor Joash Maangi has defended the recent mass defection from the Orange Democratic Party and Ford People party to the newly formed Jubilee Party.
Maangi led key leaders among them MPs Richard Onyonka (Kitutu Chache South), Richard Tong’i (Nyaribari Chache) and Boncharis' Zebedayo Opore in the defection that has caused jitters in Gusii region.
And on Monday, Maangi said the move was long overdue saying the region will make strides by working with Jubilee government.
“I don’t regret rallying people to defect from ODM and dissolution of Ford People. Time has come to embrace a more united country and the Jubilee Party has shown the intention of making this country get out of tribe cocoons,” he said.
Maangi added: “Time has come for the Gusii community to work with the government because it’s the only way we can uplift our social economic status. Hopefully, those still opposing our move shall see the light in future.”
The Deputy County boss also downplayed any simmering relationship between him and Governor James Ongwae, a key point’s man for opposition leader Raila Odinga in the Gusii region.
“Ongwae is the Governor and that is indisputable. I am deputising him for now and our relationship is intact,” he said.