Governors Simba Arati (Kisii) and Amos Nyaribo (Nyamira) were absent from Ruto’s meeting.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Nyamira’s Amos Nyaribo were notably absent today from a major meeting between President William Ruto and more than 5,000 Abagusii delegates at State House, Nairobi.
The forum, which began with an early breakfast at 7:00 a.m., was meant to strengthen ties with the Gusii community amid growing political interest in the region.
Matiang’i Factor in the Background
The absence of the two governors comes just days after former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i declared his 2027 presidential run, attracting visible backing from several Gusii leaders who have previously aligned with ODM chief Raila Odinga.
Who Attended and What Was Discussed
The meeting drew senior figures including Education CS Julius Ogamba and Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke (Broadcasting & Telecommunications).
Talks focused on: Expanding road networks to improve trade access. Enhancing education and setting up new technical colleges. Strengthening agribusiness investments for farmers. Upgrading healthcare facilities.
President Ruto stressed that his government had stabilised the economy and promised Gusii residents that “no community will be left behind” in development.
The outreach comes a week after Ruto met over 15,000 Nairobi residents in another empowerment forum. It also coincides with preparations for three Gusii by-elections on November 27, 2025 — Nyansiongo (Borabu), Ekerenyo (North Mugirango), and Nyamaiya (West Mugirango).
With the Gusii region now a key political battleground, the moves of both President Ruto and Fred Matiang’i will be closely watched as 2027 edges closer.
