Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has received backlash from a section of Nyeri County leaders after he campaigned for his 2022 presidential bid while in the area.
Mutua asked Nyeri residents to rally behind his ambition to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta, a call which has irked local leaders.
"I am offering a clean, visionary and energetic leadership. Please rally behind Maendeleo Chap Chap(MCC). I will move the country forward," he told residents while on a bench-marking tour last week.
His remarks have kicked up a political storm in Mt Kenya region, forcing his host governor, Mutahi Kahiga, to draw a disclaimer.
In a Facebook post, Kahiga distanced himself from Mutua's statement, asserting that the region was fully behind Jubilee deputy party leader William Ruto.
"I want to make it clear that the visit of my friend and counterpart Machakos Governor Dr Alfred Mutua was not about the presidency," he posted.
The governor added: "We are behind DP William Ruto as far as 2022 politics is concerned. In fact what Mt Kenya is searching for is his running mate."
Echoing the same sentiments, Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua rubbished Mutua's call and accused him of using Machakos resources to campaign.
"Nyeri should not be used as a launching pad for people who think they can be president. We already have our candidate who is the DP," said Gachagua.
However, in a quick rejoinder, Mutua's head of communication Mutinda Mwanzia defended the action, saying his boss would continue seeking support from all parts of the country.
"Dr Mutua has been campaigning everywhere and Nyeri is no exception. After completing his second term as governor he has set his eyes on the presidency. His bid for the presidency is unstoppable," Mwanzia told the Nation on Monday.