Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu and Kisii Governor Simba Arati engaged in a heated public altercation during a funeral ceremony in the region on Friday, February 10.
The charged up altercation ended up with the two exchanging accusations and sharp words in front of mourning attendees.
The clash erupted when a group of youths booed CS Machogu while he was delivering President William Ruto’s speech at Kisii Polytechnic grounds during the burial of the institution’s head, Daniel Nyariki. In response, Machogu condemned Arati, suggesting that the governor had incited the youth to disrupt the event.
“Hii mambo shilingi mia tano, mia nne inazungushwa hapo…hiyo ni upuzi, ushenzi, na upumbavu. Gavana afanye maendeleo si kelele,” Machogu asserted, also criticizing Arati’s leadership approach.
“Tumeona ushenzi mingi hapa sasa tutajitokeza na kusimamisha hii ushenzi,” he added before leaving the podium without inviting the governor to speak.
Arati, upon taking the stage, fired back at Machogu, accusing him of colluding with rogue police officers to disrupt peace in Kisii County. “Hii kelele yote inapigwa…ni wezi ambao tumekanyagia wao. Wale ambao wanaletanga fujo wametoka hapa. Unataka kumaliza kuongea kabla sijaingia. We ni mwanaume unangoja unasomea mwingine na mimi nimekupata ukiongea,” Arati retorted.
The governor also criticized Kisii County Commissioner Bowen for his remarks at the funeral, implying his involvement in the chaos. Bowen had suggested Arati’s role in the unrest, to which Arati responded sharply, asserting his authority and dismissing Bowen’s past positions.
The public exchange highlighted underlying tensions between political leaders in the region and underscored the need for constructive dialogue to address issues facing Kisii County.
