Kisii Governor Simba Arati is increasingly taking on visible leadership responsibilities within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), placing him at the centre of the party’s activities as it prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Arati’s growing involvement in party affairs was on display on Tuesday, November 3, when he announced the admission of former Senate Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio into ODM following his departure from the Kenya African National Union (KANU).
In his announcement, Arati said Poghisio had joined the Orange party alongside seven sitting Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), describing the move as part of efforts to strengthen the party.
“We welcome him to our fold with open arms. We are on track to bolster and strengthen our party,” Arati stated.
Simba Arati Emerges as Key ODM Figure as Party Welcomes New Members
He added that the party is determined to win a majority of seats in both Houses of Parliament, at least 20 gubernatorial seats, and a majority of MCA seats across the country.
“We are determined to make ODM bigger. We shall treverse all corners of the republic strengthening and adding new energy into the party”, he added.
The latest development adds to a series of political engagements in which the Kisii governor has played a prominent role in receiving new members and representing the party in its recruitment activities.
Arati’s position within ODM dates back to August 9, 2024, when the party’s Central Management Committee named him one of three deputy party leaders.
He was appointed alongside Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi following leadership changes occasioned by the appointment of former deputy party leaders Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya to President William Ruto’s Cabinet.
The appointments were part of a wider restructuring exercise that also saw Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga named national chairperson, replacing John Mbadi, who had been appointed Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning.
Arati subsequently secured his position during ODM’s Special Delegates Convention held at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi on March 27, 2026.
During the convention, delegates elected him and Nassir as deputy party leaders, dropping Osotsi from the position.
The changes placed Arati among the party’s top officials responsible for supporting its leadership and coordinating political activities.
His growing visibility has also been evident in ODM’s efforts to attract politicians from other political formations.
On November 2, Arati joined other senior party officials in welcoming Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja following his departure from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The reception at Chungwa House was led by Arati and Nassir, alongside National Chairperson Gladys Wanga and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed.
Arati said Oburu Oginga had instructed him to receive Sakaja into the party, describing the Nairobi governor as a significant political addition.
The engagement came as ODM sought to expand its membership and strengthen its political presence ahead of the next General Election.
Also Read: Five Arrested, Eight Stolen Phones Recovered After Chaos at ODM Jacaranda Rally
Arati Takes Firm Position on ODM-UDA Talks
Beyond party recruitment, Arati has also taken a prominent role in shaping ODM’s position on a possible political arrangement with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during ODM’s mega rally at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi on Saturday, October 31, the Kisii governor insisted that the party would not support Ruto’s re-election bid without negotiating favourable terms.
Arati rejected calls for ODM to support President William Ruto without setting conditions, insisting that any agreement with UDA must protect the party’s interests.
“Some people are saying that we should not set conditions for President William Ruto. As ODM, we must set conditions. Any cooperation with UDA must have conditions that will enable us to join the government,” Arati said.
He further urged critics to stop questioning the party’s negotiating position, insisting that ODM would remain committed to the principles championed by its late former leader, Raila Odinga.
“So, they should calm down. As ODM, we will stand by the rights that Baba Raila Odinga stood for,” he added.
Also Read: Governor Arati Leads World Cleanup Day Celebrations as Kisii Turns Dumpsite Into Public Park
Arati’s Role During Oburu’s Absence
Oburu Oginga’s absence from some public engagements has also seen his deputies take on party responsibilities.
In September 2026, the ODM leader travelled to the United Kingdom for a medical check-up and rest on the advice of his doctors.
Before travelling, Oburu said Arati, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, the National Central Committee and the party secretariat would continue handling ODM affairs in his absence.
The development brought the two governors into greater focus as ODM navigated its internal political activities and preparations for the 2027 elections.
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