Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma has said he will retain Ruth Odinga as his running mate for the 2017 gubernatorial race.
The governor who spoke in Kisumu said he enjoys a genial relationship with Ms Odinga, whom he described as an " able deputy" despite of the rocky start they had during their initial days in office.
He added that there is no need to change his team which won in 2013.
“There is no need to change a winning team,” said Ranguma in Kisumu.
“I have been made to understand that those seeking the governor’s seat are traversing the county hunting for suitable running mates. Well, I am not doing that because there is no vacancy in my line-up,” he added.
Mr Ranguma and Ms Odinga had a rough time working together during their early days in the office.
However, Ms Odinga had earlier stated that she is going for the governor's seat and is not ready to deputise anybody anymore.
The county's top job has attracted big names including Senator Prof Anyang' Nyong'o, former NGO director Dr Hezron Macobewa and UN aid worker, Dr Asaka Nyangara.