Simba Arati names Gachagua as being behind his past political troubles
By Kenneth Mwenda, October 20, 2025Kisii Governor Simba Arati has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of being behind his past political troubles and attempts to intimidate him.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day on Monday, October 20, 2025, Arati claimed that government officials in Kisii had been incited against him by Gachagua, creating unnecessary tension in the county.
“Nilipoanza nilikuwa na shida mingi. Walitaka nipige magoti chini. Na nashukuru wale wote walioniombea. Mmoja yule aliyetolewa ofisini, alikua amechochea hao viongozi wa serikali. Huyo mtu alikua anaitwa Gachagua alikua ameweka fitina kwa county commissioner hapa. Hawa askari wote walikuwa wananikimbiza kila mahali,” Arati said.
Arati explained that he had occasionally chosen to soften his tone as governor, but he would no longer tolerate unfair treatment.
“Ni vile wakati mwingine, naona kwamba u governor ni kiti… so napoesha makali. Lakini sasa kuelekea mbele kwa sababu nimeona mchezo, siwezi kubali, afadhali nife, siwezi kufa nikiwa nimepiga magoti chini,” he stated.
The governor called for respect among leaders, saying that the national government should allow opposition figures to serve without intimidation.
“National government, wakati mnafanya kazi, hata wale wa upinzani, wapewe nafasi. Kwa sababu kesho unaweza pata kwamba, jua limeanza kuwaka pande ingine. Jua la kisiasa.”
Arati’s remarks come amid political realignments following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Many opposition leaders have been calling for unity and inclusion in national affairs as they prepare for the 2027 elections.
Arati’s shifting political stand
His latest comments mark a shift from his earlier stance in July 2025, when he appeared to warm up to Gachagua. At that time, Arati praised the former deputy president for standing up to President William Ruto, describing him as brave and fearless. He even suggested that Gachagua could be part of efforts to unseat Ruto.
“”I spoke, and people have taken my words out of context. I was with Gachagua in the 12th parliament, and he is my friend. I want us to walk as one people, knowing where we are coming from and where we are headed,” Arati said.
“He has done a difficult job, to make Ruto to listen to people. Things have become hard for Ruto after Gachagua was impeached. There are things only Gachagua can talk about in this country. There are cowards, and Gachagua is not one of them. He should now come to our side,. We don’t have candidates for president at the moment.”
Before that, Arati had criticised Gachagua’s political style, saying it was not welcome in Kisii. He claimed that Gachagua had frustrated him while in office and insisted that the Gusii community would only back a local candidate such as Fred Matiang’i for the presidency.
“We don’t want anyone [Gachagua] to come from outside to dictate to us how we will do politics. We won’t allow the “one-term” politics here. What is “one-term”? I respect you [Rigathi] as our friend, but you must also respect the Gusii community,” Arati said.
“It is Matiang’i welcoming you [Gachagua] to Kisii, not the other way round. Gachagua disturbed me when he was in office. We welcome Gachagua to Kisii if he only holds Matiang’i’s hands.”
However, Arati’s speech during Raila’s burial in Bondo on Sunday showed that his loyalty might remain firmly in the opposition.
“ODM will not die. We have just begun the struggle. We must win the 2027 election. Mapambano imeanza sasa!” he declared.