Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol has fallen out with his boss James Orengo just six months after the pair were sworn into office.
There have been talks of the rift for some time and Oduol on Friday confirmed to the Star that all was not well between him and the county chief.
Supporters of the deputy governor and some ODM party officials from Alego Usonga constituency last week held meetings at a hotel in Siaya town where they called for a truce between the two leaders.
However, Orengo, through his communication director Ben Agina, denied knowledge of any differences between him and Oduol.
Oduol on Friday opened up to the Star about the row after a post surfaced online claiming he had resigned.
Asked whether there was a problem between him and his boss, Oduol said, "Of course there is. He is taking Siaya down the wrong path and I won’t allow it."
"By the time the DG (Deputy Governor) is speaking openly things must be very bad," he added.
Oduol said he had tried reaching out to Orengo in vain, claiming the governor often ignored his attempts to have his concerns addressed.
However, Oduol rejected claims that he was contemplating resigning from his position.
"This claim of resignation is fake, obviously desperation is kicking in, I am the deputy governor for the next five years. Wazoe (let them get used to it)," he said.
Oduol said things have gotten worse in Siaya and he was yet to open the lid on the goings-on.
"When I finally speak, the people of Siaya county will be shocked. This administration will be worse than Rasanga's and I won't allow it," he said.
Cornel Rasanga was the first Siaya Governor who served the county between 2013 and 2022 when he was replaced by Orengo after serving his two terms.
Oduol ran against Rasanga in 2013 but lost after ditching the ODM party over the nomination fiasco. He later rejoined the party before being picked by Orengo as running mate in 2022.
Most politicians from Siaya who go against the ODM party are often branded sympathisers of President William Ruto.
"I will not allow plunder and misappropriation of resources. If this makes me Ruto from within, so be it," Oduol said.
Oduol also accused his boss of employing a hands-off management style.
"You can't run a county when you are hands-off and leave questionable characters to steal unabated. I will smoke them out very soon. This is our county and my county," he said.
