Simba Arati to vie as Kisii county governor as Elachi , Shilibwa and Wanyama Sambu scramble to replace him in Dagoretti North.

Maverick Dagoretti North MP Hon Paul  Simba Arati’s entry into Kisii county gubernatorial  race is causing jitters from possible opponents telling him to stick to Nairobi politics.

Arati has been traversing Kisii county conducting quiet campaigns.
He is anchoring his campaign on age, closeness to Opposition chief Raila Odinga and youth’s affinity.
So far the youthfull voters have embraced his candidature .

The youthful Arati has asked his possible opponents, Transport Chief Administrative Secretary Chris Obure and Senator Sam Ongeri, both long-serving politicians, to pave way for generational change. 

Deputy governor Joash Maang’i who is currently the deputy governor is perceived to be a Ruto ally is also keen to succeed Governor James Ongwae.

Speaking recently at a funeral, Obure declared that he will be in the race and should not be written off.

“Iam going for the governorship, those calling me old should be informed that  Iam “young and as fit as a fiddle”. Obure said.

On his part, Hon Arati,  has denied claims  that Raila has prevailed upon him to shelve his gubernatorial ambitions, vowed not to be intimidated by rivals.

“Political cowards are tainting my name claiming that Baba has told me to back down . I will not step down and back another aspirant because I know I will win,” Hon Arati said.

Hon Arati handlers a Mr  Rogers Ongeri and Eric Onchonga, have rubbished claims  that Arati was a Nairobi politician and should not be interested in  an upcountry seat.

“Hon Arati is a Kenyan and can vie for any political seat anywhere in the country. Nobody has a right to limit his ambitions,” Mr Onchonga said.

As we approach the  next general election, several politicians and technocrats are eyeing Ongwae’s seat.
Governor Ongwae is not eligible to run again because he is serving his second and final term.

MPs Richard Onyonka (Kitutu Chache South) and Ezekiel Machogu (Nyaribari Masaba) have also declared interest in the seat.

Others are Gusii Governance Civil Society Organisation Secretary Rachel Otundo, former South Mugirango MP Manson Oyongo and lawyer Lumumba Nyaberi

# Back in Dagoretti North Hon Elachi, Mr Shilibwa and Sam Wanyama Sambu in the race to replace Arati.

News of Arati’s exit have excited many political players in Dagoretti North.

In the last elections, current Nairobi county speaker Hon Beatrice Elachi came second to Arati on Jubilee party while Anc’s  Bernard Shilibwa came third.
Arati’s exit gives Elachi the seat on a silver platter should she give it a second stab on Odm party considering her close ties with Odm leader Raila.
A new entrant in the race Mr Sam Wanyama Sambu a city businessman is also angling to replace Simba in Dagoretti North.
Although Sambu’s vehicle of choice has not yet been revealed, his recent public appearance with Hon Mudavadi and Hon Wetangula in Karen’s home of the FK leader is a clear indication that he is gravitating towards Mudavadi/Wetangula axis.

“My people have called on me to offer myself as a candidate for Dagoretti North seat in 2022 and I have said Yes. Iam currently engaging people on the ground and we are doing some good job. Game on” Mr Wanyama Sambu said.

The race to replace Arati is on, who will take over from Simba Arati?