Former Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has officially declared his candidacy for the Kisii gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, marking his second bid for the county’s top position after losing to incumbent Governor Simba Arati in 2022.
Machogu’s announcement comes months after his dismissal from President William Ruto’s Cabinet in July 2024, following widespread youth-led protests that resulted in a complete Cabinet reshuffle. He was succeeded by Julius Migos Ogamba, who ironically served as Machogu’s running mate in the 2022 gubernatorial race.
The Jubilee Party leadership in Nyaribari Masaba formally endorsed Machogu as their preferred candidate during a delegates’ meeting in Nyanturago in early December 2025. Party officials praised his public service record and described him as the most prepared candidate to lead sustainable development in Kisii County.
Political realignment and Matiang’i alliance
Since his Cabinet exit, Machogu has maintained a strategic political alliance with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who was named Jubilee Party’s presidential candidate and deputy party leader in October 2025. The two have conducted joint tours across Kisii County to build support for Matiang’i’s presidential bid.
“We now have our own son, Dr. Fred Matiang’i. Let us unite behind him,” Machogu told residents during recent campaign tours. He has also been working with veteran politician Prof. Sam Ongeri to consolidate support within the Gusii community.
Machogu has been critical of the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing President Ruto of betraying the Kisii community. He specifically blamed South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro and Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda for his removal from Cabinet.
Tough race ahead
The former Cabinet secretary faces an uphill battle against Governor Arati, who defeated him decisively in 2022 with 270,928 votes compared to Machogu’s 82,104 votes on the United Democratic Alliance ticket. Machogu has since distanced himself from UDA, criticizing the party’s declining political influence in the region.
The race is expected to attract multiple high-profile contenders. Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, elected on an ODM ticket alongside Governor Arati in 2022, declared his intention to contest the gubernatorial seat in July 2025. Onyonka has indicated flexibility regarding party affiliation, stating he would consider joining Jubilee if invited by Matiang’i.
Machogu’s campaign strategy involves holding meetings at his residence and planning grassroots rallies across all nine constituencies in Kisii County. Jubilee Party officials have indicated plans to launch a countywide mobilization drive ahead of party primaries.
Political analyst Eric Onsongo noted that Machogu’s endorsement could reshape the gubernatorial race, which promises to be highly competitive as the 2027 elections approach.
