[Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i in a past event. He has scoffed Kisii Governor James Ongwae and warned him against attending his functions. Photo/NATION]
A visibly agitated Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i on Sunday disowned Kisii Governor James Ongwae adding that he ‘doesn’t know him.
Hailing from Gusii community, a region that has been earmarked as a tossup ahead of elections, Matiang’i has been pivotal in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s campaigns in the region despite being barred by the law.
And on Sunday at Nyanturago, Matiang'i accused Ongwae of strategically attending functions which are solely presided over by him.
“I hear someone saying that I should not leave before the function ends. I am the one who organized the meeting unless there is something I don’t know,” said Matiang’i in response to one of attendees who was seemingly implementing Ongwae’s directives.
He added: “I do not know that Ongwae and he should desist from riding on my functions. If he is popular, then he is at liberty to organize for other meetings.”
Matiang’i also pleaded with Gusii community to vote President Kenyatta adding that reforms in education would be impossible without Mr. Kenyatta as president.
Although the two major coalitions are engaged in tough campaigns in the region that is perceived to be ODM’s stronghold, Ongwae is a close ally of opposition leader Raila Odinga.