By Monica Nashon
Some Kisii County residents have issued statements following a recent visit by leaders allied to the United Opposition, calling for political tolerance, responsible leadership, and respect for elected officials.
Speaking on behalf of residents from Nyaribari Masaba, Gesusu Ward, Samuel Maranga said Kisii remains a peaceful and politically aware county whose people value dialogue and issue-based politics.
He said residents expected visiting leaders to present clear policies, practical solutions, and a compelling alternative agenda.
However, Maranga claimed that much of the rhetoric during the visit centred on direct attacks against Governor Simba Arati and other elected leaders.
“Political competition is healthy, but personal hostility is not,” he said.
Maranga expressed concern over remarks attributed to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, alleging that the former DP appeared overly focused on Governor Arati.
He further referenced past incidents during Gachagua’s tenure when GSU officers were reportedly deployed to the governor’s residence under what he described as controversial circumstances.
He also addressed claims by leaders led by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who alleged that goons disrupted their meeting and that lives were lost.
“In Omogusii culture, invoking death is a grave matter. Such claims cannot be made lightly,” Maranga said, adding that no official police reports, family statements, or verified information had been released to confirm any alleged deaths.
“We call upon investigative and security agencies to provide full clarity. Did any deaths occur? If so, how many? Where are the official reports? Have any arrests been made? Kenyans deserve truth and transparency,” he said.
Maranga further defended Governor Arati, noting that the governor has reportedly been out of the county for about a month, describing attempts to link him to alleged chaos as unfair and malicious.
He urged national leaders to rise above local confrontations and focus on national unity, warning that persistent attacks on county leadership risk diverting attention from broader national priorities.
“As residents of Kisii County, we call for sobriety, restraint, and mature politics. Our county should not be turned into a battleground for personal vendettas,” he said, adding that residents acknowledge development projects initiated by the county government across various sectors.
Hezron Onsoti from Kenyenya Sub-County, Bomachoge Borabu Ward, also condemned claims of killings during Dr Matiang’i’s rally.
“We want peace in our county. Let the leaders we elected serve their term. When the time comes, we will decide through the ballot,” Onsoti said.
Former councillor Patrick Silo warned against what he termed attempts to divide the Gusii community through misinformation and inflammatory statements. “We do not want our community destroyed by lies. What we want is unity,” he said.
Another former councillor John Nyariki from Gucha criticised what he described as disrespect by visiting leaders who allegedly insulted the governor.
“It is not respectful for outsiders to come and abuse a governor chosen by the people of Kisii. In 2027, we will make our decision again,” Nyariki said.
Former National Union of Teachers Saba Branch chairman Moses Ndonga said residents of Nyaribari were disturbed by the rising political tension, noting that some of the leaders criticising the governor had previously served in government.
“When they were in office, they had the opportunity to deliver. Now they should respect leaders who are working,” Ndonga said, adding that the county remains focused on development projects, including cancer treatment centres and the Suneka airstrip.
Naomi Omwancha Sagero from Nyaribari Chache, Ibeno Ward, urged politicians to give Governor Arati space to focus on service delivery.