Politicians from the Nyanza region have defended Cabinet Secretaries Fred Matiangi and Joe Mucheru who have been accused of engaging in politics ahead of the 2022 general election.

Led by Kisumu County Senator Fred Outa said it is the Constitutional right of any CS to comment on politics for the development of the country.

Outa said freedom of expression allows ministers to make known their preferred lineup in the coming election.

CSs led by Matiangi, Mucheru, Mutahi Kagwe, and Eugene Wamalwa have been actively taking part in political activities, with others openly declaring support for ODM party leader Raila Odinga as their favorite to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta who is serving his final term.

“I want to tell the detractors of Raila that we will not listen to their noises, the CSs like any other person has a right to support anyone they deem fit,” said Outa.

Former Kabondo Kasipul MP Sylvans Osele who is a director at the Presidential Delivery Unit said Ministers every electioneering period have campaigned for their preferred presidential candidate.

“Let them not feel bad, when it was their time it was good, now that they have changed tune towards Raila, they are now branded,” said Osele.

Early this week, MPs allied to Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party expressed concern over intensified engagements of CSs in politics.