- Simba Arati publicly backs Fred Matiang’i for 2027 politics
- Arati claims he was among first leaders to popularise Matiang’i presidential bid
- Kisii Governor alleges Oburu Oginga is unwell
- Governor says he is helping oversee ODM affairs as deputy party leader
- Arati insists he remains loyal to Orange Democratic Movement
- Calls for unity and reduced political attacks ahead of shifting alliances
Simba Arati has stirred fresh political debate after openly declaring former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as “his political project” ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a visit to console Richard Onyonka following the death of his mother, Teresia Nyaboke, Arati said he was among the earliest leaders to push the “Matiang’i for President” narrative in Kenyan politics.
The governor urged leaders from the Gusii region and across the country to avoid excessive political hostility and personal attacks, warning that alliances in Kenyan politics can shift unexpectedly.
According to Arati, politicians criticizing each other today could eventually find themselves working together under future political arrangements.
During his remarks, the Kisii governor also alleged that Oburu Oginga is currently unwell, claiming he has temporarily taken on a larger role in helping manage affairs within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as deputy party leader.
Despite publicly praising Matiang’i, Arati clarified that he remains firmly loyal to ODM, describing the party as the country’s largest political movement.
He further stated that openly shifting political allegiance at this stage would not be strategically wise.
At the same time, the governor praised Anthony Kibagendi for maintaining restraint during recent political disagreements, saying the MP had avoided engaging in personal attacks.
Arati also extended an olive branch to Senator Onyonka, expressing willingness to reconcile and work together despite previous political differences.
The remarks come as political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections continue taking shape, with several leaders positioning themselves around potential presidential candidates and emerging coalition formations.
Observers now view Matiang’i’s growing endorsements from leaders within the Gusii region as a sign that his national political profile could continue expanding in the coming months.
