Kisii Governor and ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati has urged Jubilee Party Leader Fred Matiang’i to abandon the United Opposition and join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Speaking on Tuesday, November 3, Arati argued that Matiang’i had been sidelined in the opposition after DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua claimed that he, Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Linda Mwananchi Movement leader Edwin Sifuna had sufficient support to defeat President William Ruto in the 2027 elections.
Arati urged the former Interior Cabinet Secretary to reconsider his political alignment and work with ODM to strengthen the party under the Broad-Based Government.
Fred Matiang’i and Governor Simba Arati. Photo: Courtesy.
The Kisii governor also called on Kalonzo to reconsider his opposition to working with the government, citing the reception he received from some Linda Mwananchi supporters who booed him during the launch of the movement’s headquarters.
Arati expressed confidence that Ruto would secure re-election in 2027 and urged Kalonzo to soften his stance ahead of the polls.
The governor also criticised Gachagua over his remarks suggesting he would leave the country if Ruto won the next election.
Arati interpreted the statement as a threat to cause unrest in the event of an opposition defeat and warned that anyone involved in violence would be held accountable and prevented from evading justice by fleeing the country.
