Political campaigns in Kisii County gained momentum Friday, with several aspirants sharply criticizing Governor Simba Arati while outlining their own development agenda and rallying support for Dr. Fred Matiang’i’s presidential bid.
Gubernatorial aspirant Ezekiel Machogu said Arati’s administration has done little to show off despite receiving an estimated Sh60 billion in allocations during his time in office.
He accused the governor of rhetoric rather than delivering tangible development.
“You cannot preside over billions of shillings and still ask citizens to be patient. Development must be seen and felt. Roads, hospitals, and jobs are not promises—they are rights,” Machogu said.
The former education CS was speaking at a burial in Mokorogoinwa, Gesusu on Friday.
He made similar remarks at separate burials in Metembe and Chibwobi, also in Gesusu.
Machogu rallied the youth to get voter cards and be part of the change they want in the country.
“Let’s talk about change when we have voter cards,”he said.
Nyaribari Masaba MP aspirant Bouse Mairura, who is the current Masimba MCA, launched a scathing attack on Governor Simba Arati over deteriorating services in the health sector.
He cited poor conditions at Masimba Level Four Hospital, further alleging lack of adequate drugs in the hospital .
He also spoke of a facility surrounded by heaps of garbage that pose serious health risks.
“It is a tragedy that a hospital meant to heal is itself a danger zone. Patients are forced to buy medicine elsewhere while filth piles up just metres away. This is not neglect—it is failure,” Mairura said.
The county, he said, was ripe for a manager, not a politician who sells rhetoric.
He said Machogu has already shown the potential to harness the county’s potential for the better good of the region.
He also rallied support for Matiang’i, saying the former Cabinet Secretary has all the traits the country needs in leadership.
Separately, Machogu called for fairness in media coverage as aspirants seek elective positions, emphasizing that equal access to media platforms is essential for a transparent democratic process.
“The media must not choose leaders for the people. Give every candidate a voice, and let wananchi decide based on truth and vision,” he said.
Both aspirants also drummed up support for Matiang’i, describing him as a proven leader capable of steering the country forward under the Jubilee Party.
Dr. Matiang’i, a former Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government, is renowned for his no-nonsense approach to leadership and crisis management.
With a career spanning civil service and government administration, he has earned a reputation as a disciplined and results-oriented leader.
His journey into politics has been marked by efforts to strengthen public institutions, enhance security, and champion service delivery reforms, making him a prominent figure in national leadership discussions.
Machogu noted that Matiang’i’s bid is attracting growing support across communities.
“What we are witnessing is not just regional backing—it is a national awakening. Kenyans are rallying behind leadership that delivers results,” he added.
Meanwhile, parliamentary hopeful Benfred Obino pledged to improve service delivery in Nyaribari Masaba if elected, promising accountability and efficient use of resources.
“Leadership is not about titles; it is about impact. Every coin allocated must work for the people. I will ensure no resource is wasted while our people suffer,” Obino said.
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