Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma has accused the media of consistently fanning a non-existent war between him and ODM leaders.
Ranguma said he did not understand why what he says at functions is often
misrepresented.
He earlier dismissed claims that he cannot effectively serve residents because of numerous ODM rallies that he must attend.
The Governor said on Monday that he had explained himself to party leader Raila Odinga, whom he said understood what he meant.
Ranguma further told off Kisumu governor aspirants who have been spreading cheap propaganda, saying they should
focus on issue-based politics.
Senator Anyang Nyong’o, businessman Hezron McObewa, Christopher Ondiek and lecturer Gordon Wayumba are among those who will vie for his seat in the August 8, 2017 poll.
"Some of them think they are closer to Raila than Ranguma. You will be shocked. We are all members of ODM and those in leadership must be respected," he said.
He appealed to
journalists to embrace fair and accurate reporting for the sake of peace.
The Governor spoke during celebrations to mark the 53rd Jamhuri Day at Kenyatta sports grounds.
Ranguma earlier said he was misquoted as he only offered an explanation for not being able to attend a meeting with investors in
Estonia.
He said he sent officials from his government to represent him at the meeting since he had other engagements.
"Other than the county administrative role, I am also a politician and I have to attend to political issues including rallies," he said.
He addressed a meeting at Town Hall during the launch of the Sh15 million electronic trade licensing programme last Wednesday.
The media report generated a lot of debate in Kisumu, with ODM officials led by chairman Ayiecho Olweny demanding that Ranguma apologise to Raila.
Olweny further asked Ranguma not to blame the party for his under-performance, and noted that no one has ever forced him to attend the rallies.
"From whom does Ranguma ask permission when he travels overseas over claims of looking for investors? (The trips have not borne any fruits," he said.
The former Muhoroni lawmaker challenged the Governor to disclose the number of investors he has wooed on his "numerous foreign trips".
Kisumu Central ODM treasurer Edward Ogolla and chairman Seth Ochieng accused Ranguma of dragging the party into his poor development record.
Ogolla told him to consider defending his seat as independent candidate so he can have enough time to work.
"If he feels ODM rallies deny him time for service delivery then he should consider running independently instead of blaming the party," he said.
Ochieng said Governors Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Hassan Joho (Mombasa) and Sospeter Ojaamong' (Busia) attend the party's rallies yet work effectively.