[Kisii Governor James Ongwae (left) in a past event. He now wants education CS Fred Matiang’i to desist from engaging in politics. Photo/the-star]
The war of words between Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Kisii Governor James Ongwae seems to be far from over as vote hunt in the Gusii region intensifies.
On Sunday, Matiang’i had accused Ongwae of hijacking his meetings in the region and warned that he would not ‘tolerate’ the habit anymore.
But in a rejoinder, Ongwae accused Matiang’i of deviating from his jurisdictions and subsequently engaging in politics against the law.
“He is not allowed to participate in politics and as a former civil servant, I want to caution him because this could sabotage his career in future,” Ongwae said.
He added: “Let us compete maturely. In fact, I do not belong to his league because I was elected while he is just an appointee trying to protect his job using skewed tactics.”
While Ongwae is a point’s man for opposition leader Raila Odinga, Matiang’i has been rallying for President Uhuru Kenyatta’s reelection.
With Jubilee zoning Gusii region as a swing region, Mr. Ongwae has been rallying for locals to remain in opposition, which they voted for overwhelmingly in 2013.