The family of Kisii Governor Simba Arati is grieving the death of his sister, Isabella Arati, whose burial is scheduled for Sunday at her farm in Isinya, Kajiado County, near the Entarakwet Hotel.
The Orange Democratic Movement party, where Arati serves as deputy party leader, confirmed her death in a message of condolence shared on its official X account. The party pledged solidarity with the governor and his family, describing the loss as a moment of shared sorrow.
“We commiserate with our deputy party leader Simba Arati following the loss of his sister Isabella Arati. Burial is scheduled for tomorrow at her farm in Isinya, Kajiado County, next to Entarakwet Hotel. As a party, we stand with the Arati family during this period of grief,” read the statement.
Governor Arati has not issued a public statement on his sister’s passing, and the cause of her death has not been disclosed.
Several ODM grassroots leaders visited the family on Saturday to offer comfort ahead of the funeral. Kisii branch chairman Paul Momanyi Kabos led the delegation, accompanied by local youth leader Hezbon Mochama, who shared messages of condolence online.
The news comes only days after Arati mourned the loss of his former political rival, Bishop Josiah Onyancha, and his wife, Hellen. The couple died in a road accident on the Kisii Narok Highway while travelling to their son’s graduation.
In his tribute, Arati described Bishop Onyancha as a courageous and respected leader whose public service left a mark on the county.
The governor’s family now faces a double blow of grief, with Sunday’s burial marking another sombre chapter in a difficult week.
