Simba Arati Changes Tune after Lashing Out at Gachagua, Praises Him for Being Brave against Ruto
- Kisii governor Simba Arati recognises former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua's contribution in putting President William Ruto to task
- He implied that Gachagua would be instrumental in the mission to unseat Ruto in the next general election
- The governor's compliments came just a day after he bashed Gachagua for his style of politics, saying it was not welcome in Kisii
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Kisii governor Simba Arati has seemed to gravitate toward former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua just a day after bashing him.
Source: Twitter
How Simba Arati took on Rigathi Gachagua
Speaking in Kisii on Tuesday, July 1, the county boss dismissed Gachagua's style of politicking, saying it was unwelcome in the county; he said Kisii won't sing to the "one term" slogan against President William Ruto.
The DCP leader is slated for a tour of Kisii as he traverses the Western Kenya region to advance his campaign against the president.
"We don't want anyone (Gachagua) to come from outside to dictate to us how we will do politics. We won't allow the "one-term" politics here. What is "one-term"? I respect you (Gachagua) as our friend, but you must also respect the Gusii community," Arati said.
The governor, who is the deputy leader of the ODM party, further declared that the former deputy president would be tolerated in Kisii if only he throws his weight behind former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i in his presidential bid.
"It is Matiang'i welcoming you (Gachagua) to Kisii, not the other way round. Gachagua disturbed me when he was in office. We welcome Gachagua to Kisii if he only holds Matiang'i's hands," he said.
However, a day later, Arati would seem to back down on his earlier scathing sentiments against Gachagua.
How Simba Arati warmed up to Gachagua
Speaking on Wednesday, July 2, Arati recognised the former deputy president's significance in the quest to remove Ruto from power.
He claimed that he was misquoted in his earlier sentiment, saying Gachagua was welcome to Kisii any time.
Source: Twitter
Whilst the governor had earlier declared that Matiang'i would be the sole presidential candidate to be fielded by the Gusii community in 2027, he changed tune again.
He said there was no candidate yet, perhaps to seem accommodating to those in the same camp with Matiang'i who are also eyeing the seat.
Arati, in his new tongue, lauded Gachagua for being brave in putting pressure on Ruto, as a huge section of the country disapproves of his regime, owing to unpopular policies and the taxation question, and also calling out the apparent ills in the administration.
"I spoke, and people have taken my words out of context. I was with Gachagua in the 12th parliament, and he is my friend. I want us to walk as one people, knowing where we are coming from and where we are headed. He has done a difficult job, to make Ruto to listen to people. Things have become hard for Ruto after Gachagua was impeached. There are things only Gachagua can talk about in this country. There are cowards, and Gachagua is not one of them. He should now come to our side,. We don't have canidates for president at the moment," Arati said.
Who are William Ruto's opponents?
The opposition, as is, has many principals who have declared to run for the highest office in the land.
Wiper party's Kalonzo Musyoka declared that he would not shelve his bid again in favour of anyone; he only vied once in 2007, and sacrificed it in all the subsequent elections to support ODM leader Raila Odinga.
DAP Kenya's Eugene Wamalwa also belongs to the camp and has declared his bid, same as PLP's Martha Karua.
While impeached persons in Kenya are excluded from public offices, elective or appointive, Gachagua has also declared his name being on the presidential ballot.
He said the court where he challenged his impeachment has yet to conclusively determine the matter, making him eligible, according to him.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
