Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has officially declared his gubernatorial bid for the 2027 General Election, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown with incumbent Governor Simba Arati.
Speaking at a vibrant rally in Kisii County on July 14, 2025, Onyonka promised a transformative leadership style focused on equitable development, youth empowerment, and transparent governance.
The seasoned senator, a prominent figure in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), criticised Arati’s administration for alleged mismanagement and vowed to deliver tangible progress for Kisii residents.
His announcement has ignited excitement and debate, with social media posts on X signalling a polarised yet engaged electorate. Onyonka’s gubernatorial bid comes amid a fractured political landscape in Kisii, where his fallout with Arati, a fellow ODM member, has been well-documented.
The two leaders, who campaigned together in 2022, have clashed over governance and political priorities, with Onyonka accusing Arati of sidelining key stakeholders and mismanaging county resources.
In 2022, Onyonka severed ties with Arati, describing his administration as a “political mistake” for the Kisii community. His decision to challenge Arati in 2027 reflects a broader push to reclaim leadership in a county grappling with infrastructure challenges, unemployment, and healthcare disparities.
Onyonka’s platform emphasises inclusive governance, with a focus on involving elders, youth, and the business community in decision-making.
The senator’s announcement has stirred significant online buzz framing the 2027 race as a “heavyweight match” between Onyonka and Arati.
Supporters argue that Onyonka’s experience as a former Kitutu Chache South MP and his oversight role in the Senate make him a stronger candidate to address Kisii’s development woes.
Critics, however, question whether Onyonka’s bid is driven by personal ambition rather than genuine reform, pointing to his past alignment with various parties, including Ford Kenya and ODM.
Others suggested that Onyonka’s campaign may struggle to unify the Gusii community, given Arati’s strong grassroots support. Despite these divisions, the senator’s focus on youth-driven policies and equitable resource distribution resonates with many voters.
Onyonka’s political journey, marked by resilience and adaptability, bolsters his gubernatorial bid. A University of Nairobi graduate with a Master’s in Economics and Public Management from the U.S., he first entered politics in 2007 as Kitutu Chache South MP.
His tenure as Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and his role in the 1982 coup attempt, which landed him in jail, shaped his reputation as a bold and principled leader.
Onyonka’s recent advocacy for former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i’s 2027 presidential bid shows his alignment with opposition forces, though he has denied rumours of supporting President William Ruto.
His gubernatorial campaign is expected to leverage this national network to mobilise resources and support in Kisii.
Kisii County, a key political battleground in the Gusii region, faces pressing challenges that Onyonka aims to address.
Recent issues, such as a mysterious illness in South Mugirango and delays in university funding, have highlighted gaps in healthcare and education infrastructure. Onyonka has called for urgent action on these fronts, advocating for clean water access and improved medical facilities.
His platform also prioritises job creation for Kisii’s youth, who have been vocal in recent Gen Z-led protests demanding accountability. By positioning himself as a reformist, Onyonka seeks to differentiate his leadership from Arati’s, whose administration has faced criticism over staff audits and alleged political witch-hunts.
Onyonka’s campaign emphasises leveraging such events to boost tourism and local economies, with plans to upgrade facilities like Gusii Stadium. His call for inclusive politics, welcoming support from diverse groups, aligns with his broader vision for a united Kisii.
However, Arati’s defenders argue that his achievements, such as increasing Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital’s revenue, demonstrate effective leadership. The rivalry, fueled by personal and political differences, promises a fiercely contested election.
As Onyonka ramps up his campaign, analysts predict a challenging road. His support for Matiang’i’s presidential bid could alienate some ODM loyalists, given Arati’s alignment with party leader Raila Odinga.
Yet, Onyonka’s emphasis on grassroots mobilisation and his critique of Arati’s governance style may sway undecided voters. With two years until the election, Onyonka’s gubernatorial bid signals a new chapter in Kisii’s political saga, one that could reshape the county’s future.
