Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has hinted that he would challenge Kisii Governor Simba Arati, his political protege, for governorship in 2027.
Onyonka said by now there is no credible candidate willing to wrestle the seat from Arati.
“If there is none ready to come and end the problems bedeviling Kisii, am here and willing,” Onyonka told Kahawa Tungu by phone.
Senator Onyonka is son of the late Dr. Zachary Onyonka.
Dr Onyonka had served as a minister during the administrations of former Presidents Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Moi.
Senator Onyonka holds a Bachelors degree in commerce from the University of Nairobi.
He recently lifted the lid on the controversial Adani deal the government had signed with shadowy foreign figures.
The deal later collapsed following sustained pressure from activists and the public.
Onyonka said performance by Governor Arati was below par vis a vis the funds disbursed to the administration by National Treasury.
“When things are going south as it is happening now, we must man up and question where the rain begun beating us,” he stated.
Onyonka’s move to vie comes a time when Nyaribari Masaba MP Dr Daniel Manduku who had initially shown ambition for governorship grew cold feet.
Onyonka had campaigned for Arati and won as a team with County’s Woman Rep Donya Toto but fell out a year later.
Today Onyonka and Toto accuse the governor of not being keen on development.
Numerous times, the two have accused Arati of failing to provide a health working environment for the County staff, a charge Arati denies.
Arati terms both charges vindictive and built on grudge than really substance.
Despite Onyonka and Arati being elected on thr ODM ticket, the duo no longer see each other eye to eye leading to intermittent clash of tongues.
Onyonka said he would be riding on the wishes of the majority of the residents who want change at the County.
“I had been following the conversations closely, people want us to have conversations about leadership, i would definitely be available,” he said.
He said failed promises and unmet aspirations for the people by the current county giver would prop his bid.
“If truly they want me, i won’t let them down,” he said.
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