Meaningful Dialogue? The Unforeseen Political Union Between Governor Arati and MP Osoro

BY ERIC ABUGA

Once political adversaries, Kisii Governor Simba Arati and National Assembly Chief Whip Sylvanus Osoro may be on the verge of a political truce. 

A new alliance appears to be forming after nearly two years of conflicts between the two leaders.

During this tumultuous period, many supporters from both sides suffered injuries, with some facing legal charges related to assault, murder, and public disorder. Tensions escalated, resulting in physical confrontations and heated exchanges on social media, characterized by hostility. 

One significant incident occurred in January 2024 during a rally in South Mugirango, where the two leaders exchanged accusations following a raid at Governor Arati’s event. 

Osoro denied claims that he orchestrated the raid, which resulted in injuries to four of Arati’s supporters, while Arati accused Osoro of instigating fear among his supporters during the alleged Nyakembene rally. 

These conflicts threatened to fracture the previously peaceful and cohesive atmosphere of Kisii County. However, with their new political collaboration, the leaders seem to have quelled fears of a violent contest in 2027.

Analysts suggest that this newfound political alliance may have been influenced by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiangi, who has declared his intent to run for the country's top position. The political landscape in Gusii appears to be favorable for Dr. Matiangi's candidacy. 

Kisii Governor Simba Arati (Courtesy)

Governor Arati seems to have shifted his allegiance from his 2022 election ally, Matiangi, to support his party leader, Raila Odinga, who is advocating for a broad-based government.
Osoro has stated that he and Governor Arati have agreed to work together as leaders. 

"Abuse and insults will not help us. With elections approaching in 2027, we cannot engage in constant political battles. We only have one President, and we are willing to have him visit Kisii and Nyamira for the sake of development.”

According to Osoro, political infighting is counterproductive. "Our people want better school infrastructure, improved electricity connectivity to each household, and a developed road network." 
He emphasized the importance of unity, stating, "We will not succeed as a community if we isolate ourselves from others. The entire Gusii leadership will unite." 

Governor Arati reflected on the past two years of conflict, noting that little has been achieved for the region. 

“As the ODM Deputy Party Leader, I will not join those who insult President Ruto under the broad-based arrangement. We need projects that have benefited other communities initiated in Kisii,” he stated. 

He urged his constituents, “I want to ask our people if they are willing to enjoy the benefits under President Ruto and Raila Odinga’s government.” 

The Governor emphasized the need for voter registration, stating, “Only those who are registered will be allowed to attend my public meetings. We will only earn respect as a community if we register in mass; numbers matter.” 

ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga (Courtesy)

Political commentators suggest that the new political alliance may have been an initiative by President Ruto to counter Dr. Matiangi’s perceived influence in the region ahead of the 2027 General Elections. 

In the coming days, it will become clear whether this newfound political relationship can endure, as the region's leadership is divided along party lines and deep-rooted individual interests. 

The realignments that followed the 2022 general elections saw some opposition leaders from the region aligning with the government. 

Dr. Matiangi’s involvement in politics has also led to the establishment of a political faction that neither supports the government nor the opposition parties that emerged from the last elections. 
The two leaders have already indicated plans to fund and initiate key development projects in the region, a move seen as an attempt to support President Ruto's bid for a second term in 2027.

 The regional leadership will be tasked with completing several stalled development projects. Despite being launched years ago, many road projects remain incomplete. 

National Assembly Chief Whip Slvanous Osoro (Courtesy)

For instance, the construction of a multimillion-dollar cancer center in Kisii has stagnated for nearly three years, and the promise to renovate the Kisii-Sotik highway remains unfulfilled.In Arati and Osoro’s political working formula, the government has announced funding for Daraja Mbili Market amounting to Sh 700 million, as well as the construction of five kilometers of tarmacked roads in Nyanchwa and a modern Gusii Stadium for Sh 600 million. 

A recent meeting in Nairobi, attended by professionals from the Kisii, Nyamira, and Kuria communities and led by Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba, resulted in an agreement to support President Ruto. 

Migos emphasized that unity of purpose and effective collaboration are essential for translating government policies into tangible benefits for the community. “We must stand shoulder to shoulder as a united front in advancing the Kenya Kwanza agenda.”

Former Interios Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiangi (Courtesy)

Nyaribari Masaba MP Dr. Daniel Manduku who had attended the meeting expressed concerns regarding recent meetings, stating that they have not yielded tangible results. He referenced a history of similar gatherings, including a notable meeting in 2012 when Raila Odinga summoned all Gusii leaders to discuss the Gusii Development Agenda. 

Dr. Manduku outlined a timeline of subsequent meetings, highlighting gatherings in 2014 at State House, in 2016 under the leadership of Jimmy Angwenyi, and in 2022 when pro-Ruto leaders formulated an agenda for the Gusii community. 

He also mentioned that on the eve of the New Year 2025, former MP Stephen Manoti presented the Omogusii Agenda for Development to President William Ruto at the Kisii State Lodge.Dr. Manduku emphasized that his comments are not intended to be political but are aimed at initiating a meaningful conversation for the community.