Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-09 18:08:59
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu and Governor Simba Arati clashed at a burial in Kisii town, reigniting political tensions in the county. The tense situation unfolded as mourners, primarily students, heckled the CS as he attempted to read a eulogy from President William Ruto during the funeral of Kisii National Polytechnic Principal Daniel Nyariki. Machogu faced resistance from the crowd, with mourners booing him throughout his speech. The situation intensified when Governor Arati arrived at the event and received a hero’s welcome from the crowd. The Education CS had to pause his address for over 10 minutes to accommodate Arati’s entrance.
During his speech, Machogu expressed dissatisfaction with the behavior of the mourners and directed his frustration at Governor Arati, blaming him for the disruption. He criticized the governor and the local community for allowing such “foolishness” and urged for an end to the chaos in Kisii. He emphasized the need for development and accused the governor of creating unnecessary noise. The Cabinet Secretary also called for respect for traditional funeral customs and invited the newly posted Kisii County Commissioner Mr. Joseph Kibet to address the gathering.
Following Machogu’s departure, Governor Arati took the stage and delivered a rebuttal to the Education CS. He criticized Machogu and accused him of halting his work and engaging in gossip. Arati urged fellow leaders to focus their energy on development and growth, rather than succumbing to negativity. He also labeled the current political unrest in Kisii as “home ground terrorism,” placing blame on Machogu for allegedly inciting violence in the region.
Additionally, Arati took a direct jab at Machogu, suggesting that he owed his political relevance to the President and highlighted the Cabinet Secretary’s unpopularity in the region, citing his low vote count in the last governorship race. The governor even challenged Machogu to a future gubernatorial contest, vowing to defeat him once again. Arati didn’t spare the county commissioner either, dismissing his threats and instructing him to focus on his responsibilities.
In summary, the burial in Kisii turned into a political battleground, with Education CS Ezekiel Machogu and Governor Simba Arati engaging in a public feud, further highlighting the underlying tensions and power struggles in the county. The clash between the two political figures, coupled with the reactions of the mourners, underscored the volatile nature of the political landscape in Kisii. The event served as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted divisions and animosity that continue to plague the region’s political environment.
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