Simba Arati defends President Ruto against claims of civilian killings

Kisii Governor Simba Arati has defended President William Ruto against criticisms regarding civilian deaths during his administration. Responding to claims that Ruto does not deserve a second term due to killings, Arati argued that such violence has occurred under nearly all Kenyan governments.

Arati, who also serves as the ODM Deputy Party Leader, asserted that the current administration is more merciful than that of former President Uhuru Kenyatta. He claimed that Kenyatta’s government saw significant loss of life, particularly among supporters of Raila Odinga, and characterized the previous administration as more reactive to criticism.

While defending the President, Arati emphasized that he does not condone or justify any killings or abductions, stating, “We condemn all the killings, even from the previous government, and we do not justify them. We want it to end.”

Additionally, Arati criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of propagating hate and selfishness following Gachagua’s comments regarding potential cooperation with the ODM party.