10 MPs-elect pledge to work with Arati

Ten MPs-elect from Kisii County have resolved to support Kisii Governor Simba Arati in his bid to transform the devolved unit.

Speaking at Gusii stadium shortly after Governor Arati was handed the instruments of power by his predecessor James Ongwae, the MPs said they will put aside their differences for the sake of the county.

All the elected MPs attended Arati’s inauguration except Bobasi MP Innocent Obiri who is out of the country.

Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda assured the governor of his unwavering support.

“Despite our political affiliations, I want to assure you that we shall work together. That’s why I skipped other functions in Nairobi to be here,” said the UDA MP.

Jhanda is also a close ally of President-elect William Ruto.

South Mugirango’s Sylvanus Osoro asked Arati to work with the government in power.

“Regardless of the Supreme Court ruling, work with the government in power. If the Supreme Court rules that Ruto was validly elected, work with him,” he said amid jeers from the crowd.

He said Arati having been overwhelmingly elected, the people have a lot of expectations and hope which he should deliver.

“If you deliver, you will still not have competition in 2027. But be assured that I will challenge you,” said the UDA MP.

Senator Richard Onyonka and Woman Representative Dorice Aburi who were in Arati’s team during campaigns vowed that their tea will not let the people of Kisii down.

Masaba MP Daniel Manduku endorsed Arati to be the spokesman of the Kisii community.

“From today, you will be our political spokesman. Count on our support as Members of Parliament,” said the ODM MP.

His sentiments were echoed by Kitutu Chache North MP Japhet Nyakundi and Bonchari MP Charles Onchoke.

“As elected leaders, we should work together to improve the lives of the people and take this county to greater heights,” said Nyakundi.

Bomachoge Borabu’s Obadiah Barongo said: “First of all I want to thank Governor Ongwae for the smooth handing over ceremony. We are behind you and we shall support you.”

Kitutu Chache South’s Anthony Kibagendi hailed Ongwae for putting the county governance structures in place for the last 10 years.

He said the rise of Arati from a son of a peasant to a governor is a demonstration that everybody can make it in life.

“I want to appreciate Ongwae for the job he has done. Arati should now pick up from there and steer the county forward,” he added.

Bomachoge Chache MP Alfah Miruka asked Arati to upgrade Ogembo Sub County Hospital to Level Five status and build a stadium at Tendere.