Kisii Governor Simba Arati has urged President William Ruto to return to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying the party would gladly welcome him back as its presidential flagbearer.

Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Marani grounds in Kisii County on Monday, October 20, 2025, Arati, who also serves as ODM’s Deputy Party Leader, referenced Ruto’s remarks during the late Raila Odinga’s burial in Siaya, where the president promised to keep ODM strong and united.

“The president yesterday said he is going to make sure that ODM remains the party it is,” Arati said. “I want to urge him today, Mheshimiwa William Samoei Ruto – you were a founding member of ODM. How I wish when you sit down, that you come back to your former party.”

Also watch: Ruto: ODM will either form the next government or be part of it.

He added that Ruto would be considered ODM’s flagbearer if he rejoined the movement.

“If you came back to ODM, definitely we’ll have you as our flag bearer,” he said. “If you came back to ODM, we will fulfil the promise Baba had a vision for.”

Arati said the party remained committed to advancing the ideals of the late Raila Odinga, describing him as “our north, our compass in times of challenge.”

The Kisii Governor also expressed confidence that ODM would not remain in opposition after the next elections. He said the party, or a coalition led by it, would form the next government in 2027.

“As the Deputy Party Leader of ODM, I’m determined to ensure that ODM remains the biggest party in the country,” he said. “We will form the government either as a party or as a coalition. We will no longer remain in opposition.”

Arati, known for his fiery political speeches, acknowledged that tough political times lay ahead, but he promised to face them head-on.

“For sure I know hard times are ahead of us; crocodiles are there,” he said. “They will try to swim above the waters, but we will be there to handle them. As Simba Arati, the Governor of Kisii, I can assure you that in 2027 we will have our ODM candidate as the presidential candidate.”

Arati defends ODM unity

His comments came a day after President Ruto pledged to honour Raila Odinga’s legacy by ensuring ODM remains strong and part of Kenya’s next government.

During Raila’s funeral service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Siaya, Ruto said ODM would either form or be part of the next administration.

“The future and strength of ODM matter a great deal to me,” Ruto said. “By God’s grace, ODM will either form the next government or be part of it.”

The president also vowed not to allow anyone to weaken or misuse the party.

“What I will not allow, for the respect of Raila Odinga, and I will do my best, may God help me, is to let those who want to take ODM to go and gamble with it in the opposition to succeed,” he said.

Arati’s remarks have stirred fresh debate over his political direction. The governor has previously been accused of shifting loyalties, sometimes appearing close to the government and at other times attacking it.

Earlier this year, and also on Monday, October 20, he accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of being behind his past political troubles and attempts to intimidate him while he was still in office.

“Nilipoanza nilikuwa na shida mingi,” Arati said during the same Mashujaa Day event. “Mmoja yule aliyetolewa ofisini, alikua amechochea hao viongozi wa serikali. Huyo mtu alikua anaitwa Gachagua.”

However, in July 2025, Arati had briefly praised Gachagua, describing him as brave and fearless for standing up to President Ruto.

Despite his shifting tone, Arati remains one of ODM’s most visible figures in the Gusii region. He has also been part of several meetings between President Ruto, Raila Odinga, and Gusii leaders at State House, which have focused on regional development.

Still, his Mashujaa Day remarks made it clear that he intends to keep ODM at the centre of national politics.

“ODM will not die,” he said earlier during Raila’s burial in Bondo. “We have just begun the struggle. We must win the 2027 election. Mapambano imeanza sasa!“