Kitutu Chache South Member of parliament, Richard Onyonka, has supported Simba Arati’s gubernatorial quest for Kisii county ahead of the August 2022 general elections.

Onyonka, who also drummed up support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s presidential ambition said he mentored Arati when he joined Parliament, stressing that it was time the youth take up the mantle from Governor James Ongwae who leaves office next year.

Speaking in Kisii town while accompanied by Arati and Ward Representative Kefa Mogaka, (Township) and John Amisi ( Nyakoe) Onyonka was non-committal on the seat he would vie for but instead followed the public’s chant asking him to vie for the senatorial position.

“I urge you to support former prime minister Raila Odinga’s presidential bid and Arati for governor,” Onyonka, who is Ford Kenya Deputy party leader told the public amid cheers.

The duo, who opened their political party offices at Masimba, Keumbu, Marani, Nyakoe and Daraja Mbili markets, appealed to elderly politicians to support youths to take over the county’s leadership.

Arati said President Uhuru Kenyatta and leaders from Mount Kenya have rallied behind Odinga and implored Nyanza residents’ support for Raila’s ascend to State House next year.

He challenged leaders who incited youths to cause violence and advised youths against being used by some unscrupulous politicians to cause chaos, terming it wrong and unacceptable.

“As a youth, I would not like to see any youth engaged in violence. Let the elderly politicians use their fellow elders to fight” Arati said

The lawmaker appealed to Kisiis to embrace peace during campaigns and elections, stressing the majority of them co-exist peacefully in other areas, adding it had enhanced national cohesion.

The MP also called on youths without Identity cards to acquire them, register as voters and vote in Raila for the presidential seat.

He said they are determined to win the gubernatorial seat next year, adding leaders who have embezzled public funds will face the law.

Arati said if elected, he would support cottage industries, reduce taxes for boda boda operators and build a modern market for small scale traders to foster their businesses.