Arati rubbishes critics who want him to cut ties with Ruto

Kisii Governor Simba Arati Friday led the hundreds of the county residents to mark Jamhuri Day and took on critics uncomfortable with his dalliance with President William Ruto.

Arati said he had no intention, now or soon, to distance himself politically from Ruto.

The County boss said he and his people were already reaping big from the partnership and he would not abandon “milking”.

The ODM Deputy Party Leader told those who want him out thay they were daydreaming.

“Those who call me a milk man, should know I would not shy away from associating with him (Ruto) until I milk the last drop,” the Governor said.

The Jamhuri Day celebrations were held Kiamokama in Masaba South.

The Governor was flanked by his deputy Elijah Obebo, County Commissioner Chaunga Mwa Chaunga and a section of the Ward Reps.

The governor’s comments came amid internal disagreements within ODM over whether the party should remain part of the government coalition or withdraw to pursue an independent path.

He insisted that ODM will remain in the coalition “until 2027” and focus on unity and development, despite calls for a more confrontational stance by some members.

Early, some goons invaded the venue but were seized by security personnel.

Arati, without providing evidence, accused former Education CS Ezekiel Machogu of ” deploying the goons”.

The CS is currently in Nairobi.

He also accused a section of MCAs of working against the plans to lift the living standards of their people through development.

He urged the voters to vote such out in the next election.

“There are those hanging on the coats of someone I defeated resoundingly in the last poll , am still the governor and would not contenance any aggression in my rallies,” the County boss said.

Arati separately raised alarm over the increasing proliferation of drugs and alcohol in the region, warning that the situation threatens to erode the social and economic wellbeing of local communities.

The county, he said has witnessed a surge in the sale and consumption of illicit brews, narcotics, and other harmful substances, particularly among young people.

He expressed concern that the growing vice is contributing to rising insecurity, poor school performance, and a decline in productivity.

“We cannot sit back and watch our youth waste away. Drugs and alcohol are destroying families, fueling crime, and hindering the progress we are working hard to achieve as a county,” he said.

He also urged the youth not to be used for chaos as the country moves to do another poll in 2027.

Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo said the County has already achieved a milestone since Arati took over leadership.

The County Commissioner, on his part, firmly warned against political goonism and thuggery saying he will take action.

He said at no time would he allow any person to disrupt any other leader’ function.

He further ordered chiefs to provide intelligence reports to help curb vices that affect youth.

He also urged for vigilance especially among wananchi to ensure no youth is engaged in illicit trade and activities.

Assembly Deputy Speaker Jacob Bagaka lauded Arati helping embattled Nyamira governor Amos Nyaribo from the hooks of the impeachment at the Senate.