Meru Governor Peter Munya on Thursday triggered off political shivers in Kisumu when he openly called for Governor Jack Ranguma's re-election.
Mr Munya, who was in Kisumu to deliver the devolution torch to Mr Ranguma said the Kisumu County chief had done a lot in transforming the county and therefore deserved another term in office.
"I see my brother Ranguma here has no problem," he said amid applause from members of the public who attended the event at Jomo Kenyatta Sports Grounds.
"I see you still support him and am sure you will vote for him again."
Ranguma is expected to defend his seat and will face off against Senator Prof Anyang Nyong'o and businessman Hezron McObewa.
Munya's decision to directly campaign for Ranguma can trigger off another round of rivalry between Senators and Governors including Nyong'o who has of recent become one of Ranguma's main critics.
Several Senators including Mombasa's Hassan Omar have indicated they will contest for governor positions in 2017.
Munya also took time to criticise the government for failing devolution.
"Devolution is doing well except for a few challenges that we are facing," he added.
"We are always given less money. More money remains in Nairobi. But even with the little we are given, we have managed to do a lot of work."