Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has reaffirmed his support for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions, calling for unity and political tolerance ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In a statement shared via his official X account on Friday, April 25, 2025, Onyonka emphasised the importance of inclusive politics, saying that everyone is welcome to support Matiang’i regardless of their current political affiliations or past disagreements.

He acknowledged that while local politics may be marked by rivalry and competition, the national political landscape calls for collaboration, especially when supporting a common cause like Matiang’i’s candidacy.

“We have decided that anybody who wants to come and support our candidate, Dr Fred Matiang’i, is free to do so. My conviction is that politics of inclusion is much better than exclusion,” he said.

“Back home, we are local political competitors. Nationally, we must join hands. Those who are against our candidate are also free to disagree with us, but with decorum.”

Onyonka and Arati’s difference

Onyonka also addressed his differences with Kisii Governor Simba Arati, making it clear that while their political paths have diverged, it does not mean personal hostility or political sabotage.

The vocal senator also dismissed the idea of holding grudges, cautioning against the belief that political allies must share the same enemies. He emphasised that, ultimately, it is the voters, not political endorsements, who will decide their fate.

“I have disagreed with my governor, Simba Arati, in principle on many issues, but I can’t stop him from supporting his choice for the presidency. It is within his humanitarian and democratic rights,” he added.

“If somebody hates Simba and therefore thinks that I should hate him also, NO. Let him support our candidate if he chooses. When the elections come, we will be running for the seats that will be open to all of us. I see no contradiction. The Gusii people/voters will determine our fate as politicians, not Dr Matiang’i.”

Onyonka on Arati’s leadership

Onyonka firmly reiterated that he no longer supports Governor Simba Arati, citing past disagreements. He emphasised that he has moved on from their political differences and urged others to do the same.

“It is only a fool who keeps on repeating himself, but let me do it again. I have disagreed with Governor Simba; I can not support him as governor again. I moved on; we moved on. So I hope that many here have also moved on,” he added.

We have decided that anybody who wants to come and support our candidate, Dr Fred Matiang'i is free to do so. My conviction is that politics of inclusion is much better than exclusion.

Back home, we are local political competitors. Nationally, we must join hands. Those who are…

— Senator Richard Onyonka (@RichardOnyonka_) April 25, 2025