Wiper youth leaders on Thursday defended party boss Kalonzo Musyoka against accusations of lacklustre performance.
Nicholas Kamandi, flanked by Diana Kituku, and Meshack Mutinda, said three governors had made remarks to humiliate and intimidate Kalonzo.
On Wednesday, governors Charity Ngilu (Kitui), Alfred Mutua (Machakos) and Kivutha Kibwana (Kibwezi) said the Kamba community deserves new leadership.
The governors who spoke during the launch of the Kivandini-Masinga road in Machakos said the community needs to be liberated from the shackles of poverty.
Kamandi, who read a joint statement on behalf of the youth leaders at a Nairobi hotel, said the governors are out to demean Kalonzo.
They said their remarks have irked Kalonzo's supporters and the whole community.
"It has become a habit for the governors to accuse and castigate Kalonzo, yet they are the cause of underdevelopment. We won't tolerate that," Kamandi said.
The group accused the leaders of using Kalonzo's name as defence for their "minimal development".
"We are, therefore, saying that as much the governors need to be respected, we demand that they also accord Kalonzo the respect he deserves as the leader of Ukambani," the youth said.
They said Kalonzo has a right to do oversight and he should not be intimidated by anyone.
"We live in a democratic country, where everyone is free to exercise their right of joining a political party of their choice. However, people should shun prejudice. Our party and leader should be respected," Kamandi said.
"As youths from Ukambani, we won't sit back and watch Kalonzo being disrespected."