Stop following me, CS Matiang'i tells Governor Ongwae

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i [left] Kisii senatorial aspirant Sam Ongeri[center] and Kisii governor James Ongwae at a church service in Masimba Kisii County on 9/04/2017.

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has accused Kisii Governor James Ongwae of "following" him whenever he goes to public meetings in the county.

Their differences came to the fore during a fundraiser for Masimba Catholic Parish in Nyaribari Masaba on Sunday where the Cabinet secretary had been invited as the chief guest.

Matiang'i drove to the church in the company of over 12 Gusii professionals.

Not long after the CS arrived, Governor Ongwae, accompanied by Senator Janet Ongera and aspiring ODM senator Prof Sam Ongeri, strode into the church.

Soon after, Matiang'i walked away after handing over his donation and chatting briefly with the three leaders. The professionals and a number of school heads also left shortly after Matiang'i.

Matiang'i left for Nyanturago Secondary School playground where Jubilee leaders led by Senator Chris Obure were attending a rally.

Own rallies 

The CS took the opportunity to hit out at Ongwae and his team. He said he had been invited by the presiding priest to be the chief guest during the function, and advised the governor and his team to stop following him and instead organise their own public rallies.

"I don't know them. Who are they? We had not planned the meeting and I have no business waiting for them," he said, adding that he has his group that he will continue to work with.

Later, Kisii County Communications Director Maseme Machuka said the governor had also been invited to the church meeting.

"The presiding priest had sent the governor an invitation card which we chose to honour. We had been in touch with the priest in the past one week. We have no business following the CS," said Maseme.