Tensions in Kisii County escalated on Friday as former Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu directly accused Governor Simba Arati of masterminding the brutal attack on Ichuni Ward MCA Hon. Wycliffe Siocha, popularly known as Embande.
Machogu, accompanied by fellow leaders, visited the injured MCA at Hema Hospital before proceeding to the scene of the crime at a garage in Kisii Town, where Siocha was allegedly assaulted by goons on Thursday morning while his vehicle was being serviced.
The former CS described the incident as a politically motivated attack targeting a vocal critic of the county leadership.
Speaking after the visits, Machogu said: “Following our visit to Hon. Wycliffe Siocha, who was attacked on Thursday morning, I joined fellow leaders in visiting the garage where the unfortunate incident occurred to gather firsthand information.
Thereafter, we proceeded to the office of the County Commandant to formally register our complaint and demand swift investigations into the matter.”
He emphasized that the group’s sole interest is justice. “We urge our people to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands as we allow the relevant authorities to carry out their mandate. Those responsible are well known; they should be brought to book without delay,” Machogu stated firmly.
Siocha, who recently defected from Governor Arati’s camp to align with Machogu and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i ahead of the 2027 elections, has been an outspoken critic of the county administration. Sources indicate the assault has heightened political temperatures in the region, with residents expressing fears of retaliatory violence.
Machogu’s accusations come amid growing rivalry between his camp and that of Governor Arati. The former CS vowed to ensure the perpetrators face the full force of the law, describing the attack as an attempt to intimidate political opponents.
County security officials have confirmed they are investigating the incident. As calls for calm intensify, observers warn that the unfolding political conflict could destabilize Kisii if not addressed promptly through transparent investigations.