By The Weekly Vision Political Desk
A major political showdown is shaping up in Kisii County following Senator Richard Onyonka’s declaration that he will contest the governorship in 2027, a move said to be giving Governor Simba Arati sleepless nights. Speaking during a radio interview on 15 July, Mr Onyonka announced: “In fact, let me now tell you the truth, I am running for Governor of Kisii County in 2027. You can take that to the bank.”
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Although he has yet to formally launch his campaign, the revelation has reportedly energised a large segment of Kisii voters. His early alignment with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i, who is widely believed to be eyeing the presidency, has also given him a political advantage.
While Governor Arati warmly received Dr Matiang’i during his homecoming visit to Kisii in May after a year-long stay in the United States, he has remained noticeably guarded in supporting Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions. In contrast, Mr Onyonka was at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to welcome the former CS and has since been one of his most vocal allies.
Sources close to the county government indicate that Mr Arati has recently begun reaching out to Matiang’i’s camp, though the death of ODM leader Raila Odinga could alter these dynamics. As one of ODM’s three deputy party leaders, Arati is now viewed as a potential contender to succeed Raila as party leader. However, ODM’s National Executive Committee’s decision to pick Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother, as acting party leader has left the race wide open.
The Gusii region has long been a stronghold of Raila Odinga’s ODM party, but discontent has been brewing over perceived marginalisation in recent government appointments. Following Raila’s post-election understanding with President William Ruto that led to the formation of a broad-based government, key Cabinet positions went to leaders from Luo Nyanza, including John Mbadi (National Treasury and Planning) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum).
From the wider Nyanza region, only Stephen Isaboke, Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, hails from Kisii. His appointment, however, is widely regarded as merit-based due to his extensive experience in technology, media, and energy sectors both locally and internationally, including leadership roles at MultiChoice, Kenya Shell (Royal Dutch Shell PLC), Sara Lee, and Unilever.
Political analysts predict that Raila’s passing will further reshape Gusii politics. His commitment to democracy and social justice had long united diverse communities behind him, and his absence could see the region rally behind one of its own, possibly Dr Matiang’i, should he pursue the presidency. This would mirror the 2002 elections when the community largely coalesced behind the late Simeon Nyachae’s presidential bid.
Mr Onyonka’s articulate leadership style and strong media presence have also enhanced his profile. His contributions in the Senate and on political talk shows, where he discusses governance, devolution, and democracy, have earned him respect among both urban and rural voters.
He is also aligned with ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, who has openly criticised the broad-based government arrangement between ODM and President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Speaking on TV in July, Mr Onyonka defended Sifuna’s stance: “Sifuna was not speaking for himself; he was voicing the frustrations shared by many in ODM. His sentiments resonate with the party base and with Kenyans at large.” This followed Sifuna’s controversial declaration that the ODM–UDA partnership had “died the day blogger Albert Ojwang was killed in police custody,” a statement that sparked debate within the party.
Political commentator Geoffrey Omwando notes that Mr Onyonka’s early declaration has already unsettled Governor Arati. “Even without launching a formal campaign, his message has created momentum on the ground. His eloquence and his alliance with Dr Matiang’i have significantly boosted his appeal,” Omwando said. “If he runs, he will be a formidable challenger.”
Nonetheless, Gusii politics remain deeply influenced by clan dynamics. Mr Onyonka hails from the Abagetutu clan, which produced Kisii’s first governor, James Ongwae. Some observers argue that this could disadvantage him if the larger Nyaribari bloc, which commands the majority of votes, unites behind a single candidate.
Omwando, however, believes that the electorate is gradually moving beyond clan-based politics. “Voters are increasingly focused on performance and integrity rather than clan affiliation. Many are disappointed with the current leadership and may prioritise competence over lineage,” he observed.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, Kisii appears poised for a fierce political contest, one that could redefine the region’s leadership and signal a broader generational shift within ODM and national politics at large.
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