- Arati is engaged in a political war with Osoro in what is building into a vicious 2027 succession battle.
- Education CS Ezekiel Machogu has convened talks for January 17 to try to iron out their differences.
Image: MANUEL ODENY
Kisii Governor Simba Arati has warned his critics that he might be forced to defend himself if need be, insisting that he still roars like a lion.
The embattled governor said while his opponents are baying for his blood, they must not mistake him for being a coward.
Arati said that many are asking if he is the former Dagorreti MP who would not tolerate disrespect and nonsense.
The ex-MP warned those targeting him not to confuse a lion that has been rained on for a cat.
"They are asking if I am Simba, the true lion, even if I have been rained on, I remain a lion," he said.
Speaking on Friday during the burial of former Migori County ODM chairperson Phillip Makabong'o, Arati insisted that he is no pushover.
He asked President William Ruto to come clean on why police have allegedly been used to intimidate him.
Arati said thrice since being elected, he has been intimidated by armed police and goons allied to leaders close to the government in the county, calling on the president to come out clean as the head of state.
“I just want to ask President William Ruto, what I have done to him individually as Arati?” the governor said.
On Friday ODM issued a list of demands following the chaos which erupted in Kisii early in the week.
Addressing the media on Friday, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said the party was concerned over the safety of Governor Arati, stating that his life was in danger
"The ODM party wishes to express serious concern about the life and safety of Kisii Governor Simba Arati following repeated violent attacks in broad daylight," he said.
The Nairobi Senator also highlighted that the Raila Odinga-led party was questioning the silence of the Interior Cabinet Secretary over the issue.
"We take note of the loud silence of the CS in charge of national security and the inspector general of police. It is this silence, coupled with the fact that no action has been taken," he added
Sifuna claimed that the matter was reported but no action has been taken.
On Monday this week, chaos erupted in South Mugirango where Governor Arati was set to address a rally, leaving four of his supporters nursing bullet wounds.
South Mugirango is the constituency led by the National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro.
Education CS Ezekiel Machogu is to head a leaders' consultative meeting aimed at ending the rift between Arati and Osoro.
In a terse statement Friday, Machogu described the political ongoings in Kisii as 'perturbing and disturbing' and already denting the image of the region.
The CS, who is the senior most ranking leader in government from Gusii, wants the beef between the two leaders addressed to stem the further escalation of animosity and violence.
The standoff between the two has already led to the loss of three lives.
Machogu said this should come to an end.
"To get to the bottom of the matter it has decided that consultations be initiated among the leaders with to finding a solution to this unacceptable situation that threatens to soil the good name of our otherwise peaceful region," Machogu said in a statement issued late Friday.
The venue for the January 17 meeting will be communicated later, he stated.