Senator Onyonka Announces Candidacy To Unseat Governor Arati in 2027
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has formally declared his candidacy for the Kisii gubernatorial seat in the 2027 general election.
During a radio appearance on Wednesday, July 15, the senator made the daring remark, paving the way for a possibly fiery showdown with current governor Simba Arati.
“In fact, lemme now tell you the truth, I am running as governor of Kisii County 2027, you can take that to the bank,” the senator announced.
However, the senator underlined that his goals for the gubernatorial seat will not take precedence over his responsibilities to fairly oversee county projects.
— Senator Richard Onyonka (@RichardOnyonka_) July 15, 2025
“It is a very delicate balancing act, I must behave responsibly without looking petty, by overseeing the county because I still have two years to do that,” Onyonka said.
“My position is very simple, I will oversee the county government of Kisii without fear or favor. I will talk about projects, the governors, and MCAs because that is my job,” the senator continued.
He ensured that his monitoring responsibilities would not be jeopardized.
According to Onyonka, he would continue to be actively involved in his county responsibilities while preparing to succeed Arati.
Onyonka told Kisii locals that vigilance and service will continue during his term.
The senator is a major supporter of former Interior Secretary Fred Matiang’i’s 2027 presidential campaign.
Onyoka now joins a list of politicians and leaders in the county aiming to unseat Arati, which includes Enock Ondari and former Education CS Ezekiel Machogu.
Machogu is mulling a second run for the county top seat after losing to Arati in 2022.
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Although the Senator won the seat on the ODM ticket, it is uncertain whether he will compete for governor under the same party.
This is owing to ODM’s collaboration with the Kenya Kwanza government.
Arati, who was the former Dagoretti MP, is a first-time governor in the county, with most residents hailing him for his role as governor.
The ODM governor is renowned for his bold, populist style and grassroots appeal.
Senator Onyonka Announces Candidacy To Unseat Governor Arati in 2027
