Kisii Governor Simba Arati’s growing prominence within ODM could significantly reshape the political landscape in the Gusii region, setting the stage for an intensified contest between the party and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i.
The developments come amid signs that some Gusii politicians who previously supported Dr Matiang’i’s political ambitions are gradually distancing themselves from him.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, a close ally of Dr Matiang’i who was expected to seek the governorship on a Jubilee Party ticket, has joined the Linda Mwananchi party led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. Mr Onyonka, a long-serving political leader in the region, was recently appointed the party’s treasurer.
Mr Arati’s political stature has been boosted by his role in receiving leaders defecting to ODM, including governors and MPs.
ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga (second right) shares a light moment with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja (right), Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati (second left) and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed following Sakaja’s official defection to the party from UDA at Chungwa House in Nairobi on November 2, 2026.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation
He has been at the forefront of welcoming the newcomers in his capacity as the party’s acting leader, with party leader Dr Oburu Oginga yet to fully resume party activities.
Last week, Mr Arati led ODM leaders in welcoming Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja into the party. He also received former West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio, who previously served as Senate Majority Leader.
“ODM is a big party and we welcome leaders joining us, but they must also understand that there are leaders within the party who are eyeing the positions they aspire to. ODM promises fair nominations and next week (this week) we will welcome six elected MPs into the party,” said Mr Arati.
Besides Mr Sakaja and Mr Poghisio, Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri, who was elected as an independent candidate, and Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, elected on a Kanu ticket, have also joined ODM.
Mr Arati is now the face of ODM’s recruitment drive, with some leaders already calling for Dr Oburu to formally hand over the party leadership to him.
In Kisii County, the governor is also expanding his political influence by strengthening ODM and receiving leaders seeking to fill positions left vacant by those abandoning the party.
Last week, he welcomed academic Andrew Maubi, who is seeking the Kitutu Chache South parliamentary seat on an ODM ticket. This happened when the governor met ODM grassroot leaders and supporters from Gusii region in Kisii town.
The constituency's current MP, Anthony Kibagendi, who was elected on an ODM ticket, has since left the party. He initially joined Linda Mwananchi before moving to Dr Matiang’i’s political camp.
Kitutu Chache South has been represented by ODM MPs since 2013. In the 2007 General Election, Mr Onyonka won the seat on an ODM ticket when the constituency was still known as Kitutu Chache, before it was split into Kitutu Chache South and North.
As Mr Arati’s profile continues to grow, Dr Matiang’i has faced setbacks in his efforts to consolidate the opposition behind a common presidential candidate.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has already declared that an alliance between him, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Mr Sifuna would be sufficient to defeat President William Ruto without necessarily requiring the support of other opposition leaders.
Dr Matiang’i hit back at Mr Gachagua accusing him of arrogance and self-importance, which he said were undermining efforts to unite the opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“His arrogance is what will prevent the opposition from coming together and winning the next General Election. The leadership of this country cannot be determined along tribal lines because I thought we were competing on the basis of policies, qualifications, development records and hard work,” said Dr Matiang’i
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i speaks at the Jubilee Party headquarters in Nairobi during the formal handover of the party leadership from former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation
“If you wake up and tell me that anyone can replace Ruto, then you are suggesting that our problem is simply that we are not occupying Ruto’s seat,” he added.
Dr Matiang’i also said he was ready to support any candidate selected through an acceptable and inclusive process, but opposed attempts by a small group of politicians to impose their preferred candidate on others.
“I will support anyone chosen through a process that involves everyone, is acceptable and respects everybody’s views. I have a big problem with two or three people trying to force everyone else in a particular direction,” he said.
According to Kitutu Chache MP Anthony Kibagendi even if Mr Arati is handed the ODM party leader post, he can’t still threaten Dr Matiangí’s influence.
“Anyone who is not with Matiangí in the Gusii region wouldn’t be elected. Arati has no significance in Gusii politics,” Mr Kibagendi told Nation.
He also took a swipe at Mr Gachagua say, Dr Matiangí wouldn’t accept being bullied in the opposition.
“Gachagua is not the ultimate decision maker, it is the people of Kenya. All that Rigathi fears is that Matiangi has a lot of support in Mt Kenya so he wants to try and destroy him there,” he added.
