The fact that governor Alfred Mutua has attracted both haters and admirers in equal measure is not subject to debate.
For nearly three years now, the Machakos Governor has been at the center of public debate within Machakos County and even beyond, with questions about his loyalty to perceived kamba political kingpin, Kalonzo Musyoka taking the center stage.
Mutua's critics have labeled him not only as a corrupt leader, but also a political traitor who's allegedly being bankrolled by the ruling coalition to divide the Kamba nation.
They have also accused the governor of alleged contempt for senior politicians and by extension other elected leaders. However, those critics have failed to justify their sustained crusade against the former Government Spokesman.
While Mutua has not been a perfect governor per se, there's certainly no denying that his government has achieved several notable success not witnessed in other counties.
Despite the inevitable challenges that may have led to some failures here and there, truth be told - Machakos residents are a happier people since the onset of devolved government.
For example the perennial water scarcity which has been synonymous with the region is a thing of the past.
Although the promise of piped water per household is yet to be achieved, residents can now access water from shorter distances than before. Again, road infrastructure has greatly improved, and there is hard evidence to that.
Third, healthcare institutions have been equipped and physical infrastructure of the same improved. Clearly all these are tangible indicators-not of a perfectly run county, but of a government that has tried to undertake it's obligation for the benefit of the locals.
In his words, Mutua has maintained he will continue to work closely with the Jubilee administration led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto to roll back poverty and restore dignity of the locals.
It is therefore prudent that those opposed to the governor should concentrate their arguments on issues, and not just mere political rhetoric.
They've got to appreciate that they've got a duty to provide constructive criticism and not remain in a state of constant grumbling because citizens are also watching.