Friends turned foes: Sifuna calls for Arati’s ouster ahead of 2027
By Faith Lagat, July 3, 2026Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has called on Kisii voters to replace Governor Paul Simba Arati in the 2027 General Election, while throwing his support behind Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka for the county’s top seat.
Addressing supporters during the Linda Mwananchi Brigade rally in Kisii Town on Friday, July 3, 2026, Sifuna urged residents to vote for new leadership, saying Arati’s tenure should come to an end.
“Simba akanyage kubwa kubwa, aende. Mtareplace Simba Arati,” Sifuna said.
He also endorsed Onyonka as his preferred candidate for governor, presenting him as the leader he believes should take over the county after the next election.
Sifuna’s fallout with Arati
Sifuna told the crowd that his relationship with Arati deteriorated following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying he had since gained new political allies while losing others.
“Mimi baada ya Baba Raila kuondoka, nimepoteza marafiki wengi sana lakini pia nimepata marafiki wapya wengi sana. Simba alanyage kubwa kubwa aende… mheshimiwa Simba nilikua najidanganya nilidhani wewe ni rafiki yangu. Kumbe unawaza kuingia mahali ambapo wanachinja Sifuna, wewe ndio unanoa kisu. Mi nikakuambia Simba nimekusamehe lakini watu wa Kisii mnilipie hiyo deni.“
The Nairobi senator said he had believed Arati was one of his close political allies before their relationship changed.
His remarks echoed comments he made during a radio interview earlier this week, where he said the governor was no longer among his trusted political associates following Raila’s death.
Linda Mwananchi tour continues
Friday’s rally was part of the Linda Mwananchi movement’s Kisii-Nyamira tour, which has brought together several opposition leaders for public engagements ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The meetings, which were initially scheduled for May, were postponed following the death of Onyonka’s mother.
The movement has been holding rallies centred on governance, accountability and constitutionalism, with leaders including former Chief Justice David Maraga, Siaya Governor James Orengo, former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo and Onyonka addressing supporters across the region.
Sifuna also expressed concern over ODM’s political standing in the Gusii region following Raila Odinga’s death, saying the party needed to strengthen its grassroots support.
His endorsement of Onyonka adds a new dimension to the race for the Kisii governor’s seat, with Arati expected to seek re-election in 2027. The rally formed part of the movement’s continued nationwide mobilisation as opposition leaders intensify public engagements ahead of the next General Election.