Nairobi, Kenya – August 15, 2025 — Kisii Governor Simba Arati and his Nyamira counterpart Amos Nyaribo today failed to attend a meeting between President William Ruto and over 5,000 delegates from the Abagusii region that was held at State House Nairobi.

The meeting was aimed at recreating ties with the Gusii community. This is despite a surge in popularity by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi. The former CS has declared that he will run for presidency in 2027.

The high-level meeting, which started with a breakfast session at 7:00 a.m., was attended by prominent figures. These include Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke. Discussions focused on infrastructure upgrades, educational reforms, and investment opportunities in the two counties.

“Through difficult but necessary choices, we have stabilised our economy, shielding it from turbulence and restored investor confidence,” Said Ruto on his Facebook Page.

“Today, our economy is on a firm growth trajectory, generating adequate resources to upgrade our infrastructure, modernise services and expand the delivery of essential public goods,” he said.

This gathering comes just a week after President Ruto hosted over 15,000 Nairobi residents at a similar empowerment forum in Nairobi. The timing is also politically significant. There are three up coming by-elections in the area slated for November 27, 2025. 

There will be elections in Nyansiongo (Borabu Constituency), Ekerenyo (North Mugirango), and Nyamaiya (West Mugirango).

The Gusii region has been in the national spotlight of late. This is after former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i’s announcement of his presidential ambitions. This has drawn visible support from several local leaders from the region that has previously supported ODM leader Raila Odinga.

During the State House talks, leaders emphasised the need to expand road networks to improve market access, enhance education infrastructure. They also asked for new technical colleges, and promotion of agribusiness investment to boost farmers’ incomes. There was also discussion on improving healthcare services by building new facilities.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to “leave no community behind” in the rollout of national development programs, according to State House Kenya.