The burial, held in Mosocho, attracted several political leaders from across the region and quickly transformed into a political battleground as leaders exchanged words over the future of Kisii politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
During the emotional ceremony, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna stirred the crowd after leading a section of mourners in chants of “Simba Must Go.” Sifuna accused Arati of allegedly abandoning some of the political allies who supported him during previous elections.
The ODM Secretary General also openly endorsed Onyonka as a possible gubernatorial contender in 2027, a move that immediately sparked political debate among attendees.
Former Kisii Governor James Ongwae also joined the criticism against Arati’s administration. Ongwae urged residents to reconsider supporting Arati for a second term and instead rally behind new leadership that he claimed would unite the county and improve service delivery.
The remarks exposed growing cracks within Kisii’s political leadership, with rival camps now positioning themselves early as succession politics begin to dominate conversations across the county.
Although Arati did not attend the burial, he later responded during a separate public event where the county government issued KSh10 million to Shabana FC under a sports development and youth empowerment program.
Speaking during the function, Arati dismissed the criticism directed at him as unnecessary political drama aimed at weakening his leadership ahead of the next election cycle.
Former Kisii Governor James Ongwae also joined the criticism against Arati’s administration. Ongwae urged residents to reconsider supporting Arati for a second term and instead rally behind new leadership that he claimed would unite the county and improve service delivery.
The remarks exposed growing cracks within Kisii’s political leadership, with rival camps now positioning themselves early as succession politics begin to dominate conversations across the county.
Although Arati did not attend the burial, he later responded during a separate public event where the county government issued KSh10 million to Shabana FC under a sports development and youth empowerment program.
Speaking during the function, Arati dismissed the criticism directed at him as unnecessary political drama aimed at weakening his leadership ahead of the next election cycle.
The governor defended his administration’s performance, insisting that his government remains focused on development projects rather than political fights.
Arati questioned why some leaders were attacking him despite ongoing county projects that he said are benefiting ordinary residents.
Arati questioned why some leaders were attacking him despite ongoing county projects that he said are benefiting ordinary residents.
He pointed to investments in youth empowerment, sports, infrastructure, and local development initiatives as evidence that his administration remains committed to transforming Kisii County.
Without directly mentioning Sifuna or Ongwae, the governor appeared to accuse some politicians of engaging in early campaigns instead of supporting development agendas that could improve the lives of residents.
His allies and supporters have since come out strongly in his defense, describing the burial chants as political theatrics designed to create divisions within the county.
Without directly mentioning Sifuna or Ongwae, the governor appeared to accuse some politicians of engaging in early campaigns instead of supporting development agendas that could improve the lives of residents.
His allies and supporters have since come out strongly in his defense, describing the burial chants as political theatrics designed to create divisions within the county.
According to leaders close to Arati, the governor remains popular among many residents due to his outspoken leadership style and aggressive push for county projects.
The latest confrontation has now intensified political rivalry in Kisii, with analysts observing that alliances are already shifting nearly two years before the 2027 polls.
The latest confrontation has now intensified political rivalry in Kisii, with analysts observing that alliances are already shifting nearly two years before the 2027 polls.
Onyonka’s growing visibility and endorsements from senior leaders have also fueled speculation that he could mount a serious challenge against Arati if he officially enters the gubernatorial race.
At the same time, the public exchange between Arati and his critics reflects wider tensions within ODM-linked politics in the Gusii region, where competition for influence continues to grow.
Observers believe the coming months could witness more political realignments as leaders seek to strengthen their support bases across Kisii County.
At the same time, the public exchange between Arati and his critics reflects wider tensions within ODM-linked politics in the Gusii region, where competition for influence continues to grow.
Observers believe the coming months could witness more political realignments as leaders seek to strengthen their support bases across Kisii County.
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