That bullet was meant for me! Simba Arati on Mugirango South chaos
Kisii Governor Simba Arati has recounted the events surrounding the chaos that erupted during an occasion where he was distributing bursaries in Mugirango South constituency.
Mr Arati was providing scholarship funds at the Nyakembeni market when a group of individuals associated with the area Member of Parliament Silvanus Osoro allegedly attacked his event.
Some of Governor Arati’s meeting attendees were reportedly injured during the turmoil.
The Governor, affiliated with the opposition party ODM, narrated how the conflict unfolded.
“A group of women were dancing, and I was talking to them. Suddenly, I saw children running… It turned out people were coming out of a car with AK47s (rifles),” Arati revealed.
According to the Governor, when he inquired about the cause of the violence, he was told it was Osoro who had initiated it.
He recounted, “When I asked who caused it, I was told it was Osoro. Many shots were fired. People broke their legs. The young man who had given me a chair behind me was shot, and he is currently in the hospital. Elderly women, some pregnant, others with broken limbs, are in the hospital.”
Also read: Siasa za Kisii? Silvanus Osoro hits back at Simba Arati after funeral scuffle
Arati believes the bullet that hit the young man behind him was meant for him.
“I am sure that the bullet that shot the young man behind me was aimed at me… This country has laws that must be followed,” he asserted.
However, after the incident on January 8, 2024, Mr Osoro distanced himself from the attacks.
The lawmaker, who is an ally of President William Ruto and the Majority Whip in the National Assembly, later told the media that Governor Simba Arati orchestrated the attacks to gain popularity in Kisii “through sympathy”.
This public altercation is not the first between these two politicians from Kisii.
In February 2021, they exchanged blows at an event attended by Dr Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
At that time, Ruto was the Deputy President under the administration of President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is now retired.
ODM is calling for legal action against Osoro in light of the recent violence.