•On Thursday afternoon, Maangi told those eyeing the ODM ticket to step down for him.
•After his dalliance with Deputy President William Ruto, Maangi on Thursday declared that he fully supports ODM leader Raila Odinga’s presidential bid.
Kisii Deputy Governor James Ongwae says he is the right man to succeed Governor James Ongwae, who will leave office next year after serving two terms.
Maangi has been Ongwae’s deputy since 2013. On Thursday afternoon, Maangi told those eyeing the ODM ticket to step down for him.
He said Senator Sam Ongeri and Woman Representative Janet Ong’era should defend their respective seats. Ongeri and Ong’era have declared their intention for the governor’s seat on an ODM ticket.
Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati is also seeking the orange party ticket.
“Ongeri and Ong’era are my friends. I respect them and I want I want to ask them to defend their seats as I go for the governor’s seat,” Maangi said during the official opening of the Nyanchwa link road.
He added: “I’m the right man to take over from Ongwae. The tremendous development we have achieved is through our teamwork.”
Being the only aspirant from the larger Bomachoge clan gives Maangi an advantage over others.
Others in the governor race are Nyaribari Masaba MP Ezekiel Machogu, Roads Chief Administrative Officer Chris Obure, former South Mugirango MPs Manson Nyamweya and Omingo Magara, property valuer Rachel Otundo, businessman Alfred Nyangweso, and Charles Chweya Matoke.
Otundo and Ong’era are the only women who have declared their interest in the governor’s race so far.
After his dalliance with Deputy President William Ruto, Maangi on Thursday declared that he fully supports ODM leader Raila Odinga’s presidential bid.
“I’m fully behind Azimio La Umoja and ODM leader Raila Odinga’s presidential bid.”