Governor Simba Arati made a dramatic return to Kisii on Wednesday after weeks out of the public eye, using the moment to launch a spirited re-election push while sharply criticizing a recent opposition tour led by Fred Matiang’i.
Addressing supporters at Gusii Stadium, Arati dismissed Matiang’i’s visit as lacking substance, terming it “aimless political theatre” driven by rhetoric rather than a clear development agenda.
“Coming home should not be classified as an agenda. All of us were born here—my mother was born here. There was nothing new except common rhetoric,” Arati said.
In remarks widely seen as a response to recent political attacks, the governor cautioned critics against interpreting his recent silence as weakness.
“Never mistake a drenched lion for a cat. In any case, I share equal parental heritage here, just like you,” he added.
Arati also accused opposition figures of sponsoring violence during their Gusii tour, calling on security agencies to investigate reported incidents that allegedly led to fatalities.
“We should know who is bankrolling the goons and have them brought to justice. People cannot come here, roam around with hundreds of goons, and claim political patronage,” he said.
His comments come in the wake of a high-profile rally in Kisii attended by Matiang’i and other opposition leaders, during which chaos reportedly erupted after crowds forced their way into the stadium, vandalizing VIP sections and lighting a small fire. No arrests have been made.
During that event, opposition leaders acknowledged the deaths but blamed the violence on Arati’s administration, noting that the governor was out of the country at the time.
Despite the tensions, Arati struck a confident tone about his political future, insisting he remains firmly in control of the county’s political landscape.
“The future is clear. We are firmly on the ground, and victory is within reach,” he declared.
The governor, who also serves as deputy party chair of Orange Democratic Movement, pledged to prioritize infrastructure, healthcare, and economic empowerment if re-elected.
Among his proposals is the establishment of small-scale bakeries across sub-counties to create employment opportunities for vulnerable groups, particularly widows.
“We want to create opportunities at the grassroots. These bakeries will provide jobs and improve livelihoods,” he said.
Arati also revealed plans for a new milk processing plant at the Agricultural Training College, aimed at supporting a school milk programme targeting ECDE learners and lower primary pupils.
“Our school milk programme is already in its second month, and we are scaling it up to benefit more children,” he noted.
He made the remarks while flagging off newly acquired road construction equipment, which he said would be deployed across constituencies on a rotational basis. The governor attributed the purchase to savings made through anti-corruption measures.
“What you are seeing today is what we have been able to buy from savings after tightening the noose on corruption. These are funds that the previous regime would have squandered,” he said.
The event was attended by several leaders, including Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba and a host of MPs such as Silvanus Osoro, Alfa Miruka, Daniel Manduku, Zaheer Jhanda, and Japhet Nyakundi.
In a related development, Osoro challenged former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to address allegations linking him to the killing of a university student.
“It is not about whether he did it or not—let him clear his name so that Kenyans can know the truth,” Osoro said.
The remarks add to the growing political friction between President William Ruto and opposition leaders, with MPs Nyakundi and Jhanda praising the national government for funding key development projects in Kisii County, including a modern market and the upgrading of Suneka airstrip.
Ambassador Joash Maangi urged residents to support both Arati and President Ruto, citing their development track records, while Nyamira Senator nominee Renee Nyakerario condemned alleged tribal remarks attributed to Gachagua against Jhanda.
As political temperatures rise in the Gusii region, the rivalry between Arati and Matiang’i appears set to shape the area’s political landscape ahead of the next general election.
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