Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu and Kisii Governor Simba Arati have agreed to bury the hatchet and work towards developing the region.
The two were bitter rivals ahead of the August 9 General Election when they contested for the Kisii gubernatorial seat saw Mr Arati emerge the winner with 270,928 votes against Mr Machogu, who got 82,104 votes.
In a move clearly seen as an attempt to bring together elected representatives ahead of President William Ruto’s visit to the region later this month, the CS challenged other Gusii leaders to drop their political differences and forge a close working relationship.
Mr Machogu said he is keen to see all leaders from the community speaking in one voice to avoid being left behind by other regions on development matters.
The call by the CS comes amid protests by some MPs who have accused him of not being development-conscious.
The CS told a gathering at Gusii stadium, also attended by Mr Arati, that he and the county chief had agreed to set aside their political differences and join hands to serve the people.
“Last Sunday, the governor and I met in Mombasa and we agreed that the political fights that have been prevalent in this region must stop forthwith.
“We are one people. We must love one another because loving each other is not synonymous with malicious gossip and backstabbing,” said Mr Machogu amid cheers and ululations from the audience.
“The most important thing we should all bear in our minds is to ask ourselves what we have done at this time God has given us the opportunity to serve,” stated Mr Machogu.
Mr Machogu pointed out that he had facilitated a meeting between the governor and President Ruto at State House, Nairobi, to discuss about development.
