Some voters in his Nyaribari Masaba backyard question his ambitions as Arati faces demands for more development
The battle for Kisii’s governorship is raging and increasingly becoming a contest over political succession, with former Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu now facing questions about his ambitions as younger leaders gain prominence ahead of the 2027 elections.
At 75, those who back the Machogu say he would bring decades of public service and political experience to the table if he wins in the gubernatorial contest.
On the side, his rival, incumbent Governor Simba Arati, 44, appears to represent a relatively a younger generation whose leadership will be judged against his administration’s record and the electorate’s development expectations.
The contrast is already generating debate even in Nyaribari Masaba, Machogu’s political backyard, where some residents are questioning whether regional loyalty should automatically translate into support for the sacked former Cabinet Secretary.
At Gesusu, Machogu’s home area, resident Richard Guku just wants his clan mate to retire from active politics and if possible start grooming younger leaders.
“We expected that by 80 he could be grooming even his son rather than pleading with us to back his ambition,” Guku told KahawaTungu.
Guku's remarks, though isolated ,reflect calls for generational renewal, although other voters may consider experience an asset rather than a liability.
In Masimba, the Masaba South County capital, Mary Moranga says they would welcome a governor from the larger Nyaribari region but insists that regional identity should not be the sole consideration.
"It shouldn't be about experience, Arati has gotten it while working as governor and we should support him again," she stated.
Ms Moranga's position captures the balancing act facing voters who want their region to produce the county’s next governor while also considering the candidate’s leadership capacity and development agenda.
Meanwhile, some pockets of voters in the constituency say they are prepared to support Arati, provided he brings more development projects to their area.
Their demands underline the challenge facing the incumbent: political support may depend on whether residents see tangible improvements in roads, water supply, healthcare, education facilities and other essential services.
"It shouldn't really be about our son being a governor, it should be what he is in office is doing. Already Arati has done roads for us and has promised to do more other projects,' says Omari Thomas, chair of Coalition of Youth for development.
The views like these from Thomas may represent pockets of opinion, not evidence of a constituency-wide shift in allegiance.
However, they illustrate how development expectations can compete with local political loyalties.
The agility question
Kisii University don Eric Onsongo says Kenya is rapidly embracing younger leaders , a trend he believes could complicate the ambitions of older politicians.
“A glimpse at Kenya’s 47 governors reveals that the majority are below 60. This situation is likely to complicate matters for older people with political ambitions,” he said.
Onsongo argues that the physical demands of campaigning can also favour younger aspirants.
“The dynamism and agility required during campaigns can quickly wear down older aspirants, despite their financial resources. This is where younger candidates gain an advantage,” he said.
Modern campaigns require politicians to travel extensively, attend numerous public meetings and maintain sustained contact with voters.
The ability to criss-cross villages, respond to competing demands and sustain a hectic schedule can become an important consideration.
However, age alone does not determine an individual’s stamina, political effectiveness or capacity to govern.
Established networks, experience and an effective campaign organisation can also influence a candidate’s ability to reach voters.
Experience versus generational renewal
Machogu’s supporters can point to his experience in public administration, Parliament and the Education Ministry as evidence of his familiarity with government operations.
Arati, meanwhile, must defend his administration’s record while convincing voters that he can deliver more during another term.
The comparison is therefore about more than birthdays.
Political networks, regional representation, party nominations, development promises and public trust will also shape the race.
For younger voters, unemployment, the cost of living, access to education and opportunities for small businesses may matter more than the age of the person seeking office. They will want to know which candidate has practical proposals for improving their livelihoods.
The debate also raises questions about succession within established political circles and whether experienced leaders are creating sufficient space for younger people to assume responsibility.
Yet generational change alone cannot guarantee better governance. Candidates must still demonstrate integrity, competence and the ability to deliver on their promises.
As Kisii approaches the 2027 elections, Machogu faces questions about succession while Arati confronts demands for better services.
The former CS must make the case for his experience, while the incumbent must show why his record and future plans deserve continued public confidence.
Ultimately, the electorate will decide what matters most.
In the Kisii gubernatorial race, age may open the debate and agility may shape the campaign, but development, credibility and the ability to respond to voters’ needs will remain central to the contest.
Ends
