Maangi bodyguards reinstated days after pledging to support Matiang’i
Kisii County Deputy Governor Joash Maangi, whose security officers were withdrawn prior to Mashujaa Day celebrations at Gusii stadium, have been reinstated.
The Deputy Governor, who is a close ally of Deputy President, William Ruto in Kisii said his body guards were withdrawn without any explanation, adding it was engineered by his political rivals.
He said his detractors circulated falsehoods and rumors which led to the withdrawal, stressing he hopes the law will take its course and the truth known to shame his political enemies.
In January, his body guards and official vehicles were withdrawn before the Nyanza region Building Bridges Initiative Meeting ( BBI) consultative meeting held at Kisii Golf course and reinstated.
The reinstatement of the officers comes barely a week after Maangi met Interior cabinet Secretary, Dr Fred Matiang’i during a church service last Saturday at Nyagesenda Seventh Day Adventist church in Kitutu Chache North constituency in Kisii County.
Speaking to the People Daily, the Deputy Governor said he is ready to work with the Cabinet Secretary and other leaders to unite the community members ahead of the 2022 general elections.
"We have to foster our unity so that we can have a bargaining power in the next government. I have been championing for the Gusii unity and still do so,” Maangi said.
The Deputy Governor said he supports the Building Bridges Initiative Report, which was presented to President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga at Bomas of Kenya, stressing it has provisions beneficial to Kenyans.
He lauded the creation of the leader of opposition and the increment of funds to counties from 15 percent to 35, noting it will create peace after the general elections and enhance development at the grassroots respectively.
“The creation of the official leader of the opposition is good for the country. Kenyans will not experience divisions and violence after elections,” noted Maangi.
During the church service at Nyagesenda attended by Health principal Secretary, Susan Mochache and Governor James Ongwae, Matiang’I lauded Maangi for joining the rest of Gusii leaders to pursue unity of purpose, terming it a noble decision.
The Deputy Governor has been leading delegations from Gusii to Ruto’s Sugoi and Karen homes in Uasin Gishu and Nairobi counties respectively and organizing fund drives for various groups in Kisii County.
