CS Matiangi, Kisii Deputy Governor Maangi reconcile to work together

Interior and National Coordination CS Dr Fred Matiang'i. [File, Standard]

Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi has closed ranks with Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Coordination Dr Fred Matiangi to help him galvanise support in the region.  

In a rare occasion, the two leaders joined Kisii Governor James Ongwae and Health Principal Secretary Susan Mochache at a Church service at Nyagesenda SDA on Saturday.

It is during the service that Maangi called on Dr Matiang’i to put together the Gusii Community ahead of the 2022 General Election.

“We must begin to reason and work together as a community. At the opportune time, we must sit down and support one of us. Those are walking parallel must be talked to and to protect ourselves,” he said.

Maangi challenged the CS to lead the way in guiding and protecting the community. “Our culture doesn’t allow us to undermine those that have been given the mantle to lead,” he added.

A close ally to Deputy President William Ruto, Maangi changed his stand by declaring his support for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) at a time that DP allies have hinged on the disapproval side.

“The report is largely good for the country. It can never be perfect but we have a way to sit and move the country forward. The 35 per cent revenue allocation to Counties is an actualisation of the principle ‘funds will follow functions’.”

Matiang’i supported the gesture by the Deputy Governor arguing that all the new-found relationship will help the government to deliver to the people.

 “Let us support the Government and work together for the benefit of our people. Am glad the Maangi has decided to work with us. Governor Ongwae has shown us the direction, let us support him and as well support President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Government,” he said.

Both Mochache and Ongwae said there the country was moving the right direction even as they persuaded members of the Kisii community to support both the county and national government in achieving the development agenda.

Maangi has been drumming up support for DP Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid. His pledge to support the CS comes barely three weeks after his security detail was withdrawn. The Deputy Governor had called on Matiang’i to ensure he is part of the progressive voices that stand and defend the constitution.

He said it is getting worrisome that the country is reaching a level where some political leaders have to be denied privileges like security at the whim of some state executives.

Security bosses in the country have been adamant to comment on the arrest and interdiction of two government officials— an assistant chief and a security officer who had been attached to Maangi.

County Police Commander Jebel Munene and his Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU) counterpart have not said a word.