Kisii Governor Simba Arati has stirred political debate after openly inviting President William Ruto to return to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying the party would not only welcome him back but also back him as its presidential flag bearer in 2027.
Speaking during the Mashujaa Day celebrations Kitui County on Monday, October 20, 2025, Arati recalled Ruto’s political roots in ODM and urged him to “come back home.”
“The president said yesterday that he will ensure ODM remains strong,” Arati told the crowd. “I want to urge him, Mheshimiwa William Samoei Ruto—you were a founder members of ODM. How I wish that when you sit down and reflect, you’ll decide to return to your former party. If you came back, we would gladly have you as our presidential candidate.”
His remarks came just a day after President Ruto pledged during Raila Odinga’s funeral in Siaya to protect ODM’s legacy and ensure it stays united.
Ruto’s Pledge to Keep ODM Strong
At the funeral service held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), Ruto spoke warmly of Raila’s legacy, saying ODM would remain a strong political force in the country.
“The future and strength of ODM matter a great deal to me,” Ruto said. “By God’s grace, ODM will either form the next government or be part of it. What I will not allow is for anyone to misuse or weaken ODM.”
His remarks have since sparked speculation about a possible political realignment, especially after Arati’s comments in Kitui.
Arati: ODM Will Form the Next Government
Arati, who also serves as ODM’s Deputy Party Leader, said the movement remains the biggest and most organized political party in Kenya. He vowed that ODM—or a coalition led by it—would form the next government after the 2027 general election.
“As the Deputy Party Leader of ODM, I’m determined to ensure our party remains strong,” he said. “We won’t remain in opposition. We will form the next government and fulfil baba’s vision for this country.”
He praised Raila as “our north, our compass in difficult times,” and promised to keep his dream alive.
Bracing for Tough Political Battles
Known for his fiery speeches, Arati said he was ready to face whatever political challenges that lie ahead.
“I know tough times are coming; there are crocodiles in the water,” he said. “But we will face them. In 2027, ODM will have its own presidential candidate, and we will be ready for the fight.”
Arati’s Shifting Political Tone
The Kisii Governor’s remarks have revived debate about his political leanings. Over the past year, Arati has been accused of shifting positions—sometimes appearing close to the government and at other times attacking it.
During the same Mashujaa Day event, Arati took a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, blaming him for the political troubles he faced in the past.
“Nilipoanza nilikuwa na shida mingi,” he said. “Mmoja yule aliyetolewa ofisini ndiye alikuwa anachochea. Huyo mtu alikuwa anaitwa Gachagua.”
Interestingly, just a few months earlier, in July, Arati had praised Gachagua as “brave and fearless” for standing up to President Ruto—remarks that left many guessing where his loyalties truly lie.
Keeping Raila’s Spirit Alive
Despite the mixed interpretations, Arati remains one of ODM’s most vocal figures in the Gusii region, and has been present in several meetings between Ruto, Raila, and Gusii leaders at State House, mostly focused on regional development.
At Raila’s burial in Bondo, Arati vowed that ODM’s journey was far from over.
“ODM will not die,” he said. “We’ve only begun the next chapter of our struggle. Mapambano imeanza sasa!”
