The race for the Kisii governorship took a dramatic turn on Monday after Governor Simba Arati launched a personal attack on his chief political rival, former Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, questioning his age and suggesting he was too old to seek the county’s top seat.
Speaking during a public function at the Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) in Kisii County, Arati said the county required energetic and youthful leadership capable of driving development and meeting the aspirations of its growing population.
“You recently said you’re not 80 years old. Now tell us whether you’re 81, 82 or 84,” Arati said, drawing cheers from sections of the crowd.
The governor argued that Machogu had served the country in various public offices for many years and should now pave the way for a new generation of leaders.
“It is time to give younger leaders an opportunity to take Kisii to the next level. Leadership today demands energy, innovation and constant engagement with the people,” Arati said.
He urged residents to judge leaders based on their development record rather than political rhetoric, insisting that his administration had delivered tangible projects despite the financial constraints facing county governments.
Arati’s remarks came as his political rivalry with Machogu continues to intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Earlier on Monday, Machogu accused the county administration of neglecting essential workers and mismanaging public finances. In a statement, the former Cabinet Secretary criticised the delayed payment of salaries for nurses, community health promoters and janitors, saying the situation reflected poor financial management.
The exchange signals the start of what is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested gubernatorial races in Kisii County.
Machogu, an educationist and seasoned public administrator, has anchored his political campaign on accountability, prudent financial management and improved service delivery.
A former Nyaribari Masaba MP, he later served as Cabinet Secretary for Education, where he oversaw the implementation of key education reforms before leaving office during subsequent Cabinet changes. He has since re-entered county politics, presenting himself as an experienced administrator capable of accelerating Kisii’s economic development.
Arati, meanwhile, built his political career after years in business before serving as MP for Dagoretti North. He was elected Kisii governor in the 2022 General Election on an ODM ticket.
Since assuming office, Arati has championed road rehabilitation, urban renewal, market modernisation and revenue reforms. However, his administration has also faced criticism over labour disputes, governance concerns and political confrontations.
The two leaders have stepped up political activities across the county in recent months, each seeking to consolidate support ahead of the election.
While Machogu has repeatedly accused the county government of failing workers and slowing development, Arati has defended his administration, saying it inherited significant financial challenges but has continued to deliver services.
Addressing the gathering on Monday, Arati maintained that Kisii County was cleaner, more organised and delivering better services than when his administration took office.
“Anyone who compares Kisii today with what we inherited can clearly see the difference. The county looks better than before, and we are committed to doing even more,” he said.
The governor cited improvements in waste collection, road maintenance, market infrastructure and health services as evidence that his administration was fulfilling its campaign promises.
He urged residents to support ongoing development programmes, saying his government would continue prioritising healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment and infrastructure while remaining focused on service delivery rather than political distractions.
With nearly a year before campaigns officially begin, the increasingly sharp exchanges between Arati and Machogu suggest the contest for Kisii’s governorship is already taking shape as one of the county’s defining political battles.
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