Makueni Governor Kivuta Kibwana has shelved his presidential ambition and instead support ODM leader Raila Odinga in the August 9 general election.
Kibwana credited Raila,77, for being a fierce defender of devolution.
“As governors, we have decided to support Raila Odinga as the presidential candidate for Azimio La Umoja. Raila is the father of devolution and as the president, he will protect it,” he said during Azimio consultative forum in Naivasha on Monday.
Addressing the media in Naivasha, over 30 governors vowed to rally behind the ODM leader.
“Since the advent of devolution following 2013 elections, Raila has been consistent that devolution must succeed and must be strengthened.
“Whether devolved units get strong or are weakened, whether devolved units get more, less or zero funding is tied to this election.
“Whether devolution survives at all is tied to this election,” the governors said in a joint statement.
The county bosses further said they support Raila’s unity bid which they said will guarantee the country a peaceful election in August this year.
“We are here to express readiness to lead that people driven campaign agenda.
“We do this well aware that leaders govern the way they campaign.
“Campaigns that embrace people and the diversity of their leaders lead to government that embraces and focuses on the people and their diverse leaders,” they added.
