Arati rejects CS Machogu call for consultative meet

Kisii Governor Simba Arati. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu's call for a Multi-Sectoral Consultative meeting for Gusii leaders, set for tomorrow, could encounter a setback after Kisii Governor Simba Arati publicly declared that he would not attend the meeting.

Machogu initiated the meeting to address the increasing cases of insecurity in the area and to facilitate the reconciliation between Arati and South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro.

However, Arati has dismissed Machogu's efforts, saying he defeated him on the ballot during the last general elections before Machogu was appointed to the Cabinet by President William Ruto.

"You can't act as a player, a referee, a linesman, and a goalkeeper at the same time. Let the law take its course," Arati told Machogu.

On his part, National Assembly Majority Chief Whip Osoro has not made it clear whether he will attend the meeting. In a public engagement on one of the social media platforms on Sunday evening, Osoro seemed to maintain his stance on the County leadership, stating that the Governor was running against his shadow.

"We all must agree that we have a leadership problem in Kisii. We are talking about deep-rooted corruption. I hope they will be crying when they are called upon to explain the missing public money," Osoro said. In his letter dated January 12, the CS expressed concern that the community is troubled by sporadic cases of insecurity and violence, which were recently witnessed in the region.

"To get to the bottom of this disturbing matter, it has been decided that consultations be initiated among local leaders to get a lasting solution to the unacceptable situation," the letter reads in part.

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka said he agrees with this process which has been initiated by CS Machogu. "The warring groups in Kisii have to stand down and give peace a chance."