Kisii DG Maangi Ditches DP Ruto’s Camp for “Political Survival”

Kisii deputy governor Joash Maangi has ditched deputy President William Ruto’s camp for ODM.

Maangi who was missing during Dr Ruto’s tour of Nyaribari Masaba, Nyaribari Chache, Bobasi and Itibo Markets on Wednesday, was spotted at the Azimio la Umoja convention.

The DG was seated next Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, a close ally of ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Speaking to the Standard, Maangi who was elected on an ODM ticket alongside his boss, Governor James Ongwae, said he left the Ruto camp for political survival.

He averred that the defection was due to mounting pressure from the electorate.

“I have always been in ODM. You know what it means to be in ODM party in the Kisii region,” he stated.

Maangi is seeking to unseat Ongwae who is serving his second and final term.

Raila made public his presidential candidature on Friday during the convention attended by his supporters and those still loyal to President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Present were governors, and Parliamentarians from Mt Kenya region, and cabinet secretaries.