Kisii Governor Simba Arati Tuesday said Kenya was a free political market place for any leader to visit and talk to their supporters.
He said both President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga can visit Gusii and talk to the electorate without playing into the gallery of political divisions among the political class.
“President William Ruto is our president, we must accept that. They are both coming to Kisii and we should welcome them.Let them come and engage our people ,let us embrace them,” said Arati.
The governor spoke as various groups allied to United Democratic Alliance party, UDA, told the ODM leader to steer clear off the region and take his brand of politics elsewhere.
Odinga had planned to visit Kisii Monday but postponed it to Friday this week.
On Friday, Kisii Governor James Ongwae and his deputy Joash Maangi separately asked Odinga to leave the Kisii residents alone to chart their political future away from ODM party politics.
They said the community was now supportive of the head of state and would not want to be distracted by diversionary politics and anti-Ruto demonstrations.
The president is scheduled to grace the homecoming function of Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu next month .
Odinga is separately heading to Kisii Friday this week for an anti-Ruto demonstration.
On Tuesday, Arati waded into the planned separate visits by the two leaders saying there was no political wrong .
He spoke during a Kisii Assembly prayer breakfast.
The event was graced by among others Deputy Governor Robert Monda, Assembly Majority leader, Henry Moracha and Minority leader, Dennis Ombachi.
Others present are Assembly Speaker, Philip Nyanumba, Kisii University Vice Chancellor, John Akama and County Commissioner, Tom Anjere.
Arati spoke of the need for the County and National Government to work together for the common good of the residents.
Regarding projects , Arati said he had unveiled a delivery unit that will oversee the implementation of all county project
Speaking at the function, Anjere said the government will collaborate with the County especially in agriculture to foster development.
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