Elders from Kisii community have convened to discuss the influence of a Kisii-born Nairobi-based politician Simba Arati.
Arati is a key member of ODM party in Nairobi region and managed to become among the first politicians from the community to win a parliamentary seat outside the region (Dagoretti North) alongside Nakuru West’s Samuel Arama.
According to a source privy — not authorised to speak on behalf of participants — to the Sunday morning meeting at a Kisii town hotel, the elders selected from nine constituencies discussed possibilities of wooing the legislator to contest from Gusii land as a preparation to orient himself with the community’s politics, as a preparation for national politics.
“We met not because someone told us to do so but we have seen some good leadership skills from the young parliamentarian. We are of the opinion that he decamps from hot Nairobi politics to come back home as a major step towards a potential national leaders,” said the source.
According to the source, team player abilities from the young legislator that saw him unite MPs from Kisii to meet outgoing Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete to discuss the dilemma surrounding businessman cum politician Don Bosco Gichana who has remained in an Arusha cell over claims of money laundering.
“It takes courage to dialogue with a president over a fundamental issue. He is able to unite us for a common purpose. Surprisingly, not even one politician from Gusii ever imagined of saving Bosco (Don) who is locked in a foreign land,” added the source.
The elders are set to meet Mr Arati in his Nairobi home after reportedly booking an appointment with him.
“We just met to finalise the list of those who will be travelling to Nairobi because we have booked appointment with him over the weekend,” added the source.
The details of the meeting may ignite heated political debate across Gusii land after Kitutu Chache South’s Richard Onyonka also expressed interests of being the community’s kingpin.