Excitement over plans to install Simba Arati as Gusii spokesperson

Kisii and Nyamira residents have expressed their excitement over chances of Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati being crowned as the Gusii Community spokesperson saying the move is “long overdue”.

This comes after a group comprising of youth from the two counties announced the plans on Friday.

While addressing the press in Kisii town on Saturday, a group of 100 residents described Mr. Arati as a “warrior” who has shown great promise to unify and take the community to greater heights.

Led by Zablon Nyangena and Beavon Magare, they claimed other leaders from the community have in the past advanced their own selfish interests instead of those of their constituents.

“We have consulted widely and the decision to endorse Simba Arati as community spokesperson has been approved by all age groups. We are currently deliberating on the logistics of the event,” said Mr. Magare.

National Super Alliance (NASA) supporters took to Twitter to express their excitement over Mr. Arati’s prospects of becoming the community’s spokesman.

“He is the Kisii spokesperson. He does not need a crown,” said Leonard Limo, a Twitter user.

Another Twitter user, Kelvin Nyakundi, said: “The move is long overdue. The community deserves a strong character who cant be compromised.”

However Gusii council of elders Chairman James Matundura vowed that Arati would not be crowned as community spokesperson since he had not been endorsed by the elders.

He made light work of the idea saying that Mr. Arati is not “fit” for the position.

Mr. Matundura listed senior politicians including Kisii Governor James Ongwae, Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama, Kisii Senator Sam Ongeri and the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Ministry of Transport Chris Obure as being capable of taking up the mantle of community spokesperson but explicitly underscored they are yet to do that.

If the proposal by the youth sails through, it is likely to strengthen Mr. Arati’s position within the opposition similar to NASA co-principal Musalia Mudavadi’s stake when he was crowned the Luhya community spokesperson in January 2017.

The last Gusii spokesperson was former presidential candidate and Head of Public Service Simeon Nyachae who ascended to the position before the 2002 general elections.