Kisii County Governor Simba Arati has launched a nationwide political campaign, positioning himself as a contender for the presidency after President William Ruto’s tenure. The governor expressed confidence in his readiness to lead the nation, emphasizing that he is well-prepared for the role.
Arati, who serves as the Deputy Party Leader of ODM, stated that he is the ideal candidate to take over the presidency if former Prime Minister Raila Odinga secures the position of African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson. “I commend President Ruto for supporting Raila’s bid for the AUC chair. Raila is more than qualified for the role,” Arati said while addressing attendees at Irongo in Bobasi Constituency. He was there for the graduation ceremony of 1,300 beneficiaries of the Ajiry program, which is funded by the MasterCard Foundation.
The governor highlighted that over 12,000 youths in Kisii County have been trained in information and communication technology (ICT) under the program, enabling them to engage in online jobs and improve their livelihoods. Reflecting on recent Gen Z-led protests, Arati noted that they have spurred political leaders to address the country’s pressing challenges, particularly those affecting the less privileged. He pointed out that these protests were pivotal in prompting the Azimio la Umoja coalition and the Kenya Kwanza government to establish a broad-based government aimed at fostering political stability and national unity.
Contrary to some claims, Arati denied that opposition leaders had formally joined the Kenya Kwanza government. “ODM remains in opposition and continues to fulfill its oversight role. Our decision to form a broad-based government was intended to prevent further unrest during the protests,” he clarified. He also noted that ODM has allowed some of its senior members, appointed by President Ruto, to support the government’s smooth operation. These appointees include John Mbadi as Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Wycliffe Oparanya (cooperatives), Hassan Joho (mining), Opiyo Wandayi (energy), and Beatrice Askul Moe (East African Community).
Arati’s presidential ambitions come at a time when some Gusii leaders are advocating for the formation of a regional political party to unite leaders and bolster the community’s bargaining power in national politics. Former Kisii Municipal Council Mayor Samuel Omwando emphasized the need for a coalition-building strategy ahead of the next election, recalling the legacy of the late Simeon Nyachae, who ran for president in 2002 under the Ford People Party.
Although Nyachae lost the presidency, his party secured all parliamentary seats in the Gusii region and helped form the government under the late President Mwai Kibaki. During his address, Governor Arati, along with his Deputy Elijah Obebo and Members of the County Assembly John Sambo (Bassi Chache) and Sonye Ondari (Sameta Mokwerero), called on local leaders to join efforts in building a united front to form the next government.
