Prominent figures fronted for the Kisii DG post include ex-PS Mochache and former MP Tong'i. Susan Mochache, the former Health Principal Secretary under Uhuru Kenyatta, is one of the prominent figures being considered to succeed deposed Kisii Deputy Governor Robert Monda.

Renowned politicians James Kenani and Chris Bichage, as well as former Nyaribari Chache MP Richard Tong'i, are all vying for the open post.

Tong'i, the immediate former Nyaribari Chache MP, served two terms as PS in the powerful Health docket, while Mochache served as PS for seven years.

Bichage informed the Star that Governor Simba Arati has the right to select the person he thinks will best assist him in carrying out his mandate.

 "The governor has the final say on that, but if he nominates me and the MCAs give their approval, I will be ready and willing to support him in carrying out his mandate," Bichage stated.

 Despite not being a politician, many who support Mochache assert that her background in public service and managerial abilities will aid Arati in carrying out his mandate.

 This is as several leaders held lengthy planning sessions over the weekend to advocate for the post that became vacant after Monda's impeachment as deputy governor.

Monda's distinguished political and public service career came to an end last Thursday when the Senate expelled him with a resounding vote, barring a successful High Court appeal.

His alleged extortion of Sh800,000 from a young person looking for work at the Gusii Water and Sanitation Company was one of the four allegations brought against him that the Senate confirmed.

 Major county political figures launched an intensive campaign over the weekend to advocate for the post, which many contend is rightfully Monda's—that of the Nyaribari clan.

Charles Nyachae, the erstwhile senator from Kisii, denied rumors that he is interested in the job while hosting a function at his rural house.

Rather than accepting the job, UDA member Nyachae asked the clan's local leaders to plan how one of them would be chosen.

Nyachae left his position as a judge at the East African Court of Justice in Arusha to take up the role of head of the Kenya School of Government Board.

"My late father worked with great politicians in Nyaribari for many years before he passed away. I would like you to get together and figure out how to get in touch with the governor. According to what I know about him, the governor is a wise and perceptive man, Nyachae remarked.

A portion of the Nyaribari clan's Kisii County Assembly MCAs attended the conference.

Those in attendance at the meeting included MCAs Wilfred Monyenye (Kisii Central), his predecessor Kefa Mogaka, and Steve Arika (Ibeno).

To support their leaders, several organizations convened news conferences on Sunday as Nyachae disassociated himself from the DG succession intrigues.

Prominent figures advocated for Kenani to assume the role, citing the politician's loyalty and reliability.

James Kenani is an experienced and educated candidate, and we want our governor to give him serious consideration for the job. In addition, he is devoted, according to Nyaribari local Albert Mokua.

Mokua was one of the Keumbu locals who requested a news conference on Sunday to support Kenani.

Bichage, who is from Nyaribari Chache, was also nominated by another group.

A few months after the 2013 general elections, Bichage's victory was reversed by the High Court, ending his brief time in Parliament as an MP.

"We pray that Arati considers Bichage for the seat. He has been patient, like the Biblical Naomi," said Keumbu resident Omari Kebwaro.

The County Government Act mandates that the governor choose a new deputy governor (DG) within 14 days of the vacancy occurring, and gives Arati until March 28 to designate his replacement.

Given that Monda was born there, the governor is free to choose Nyaribari Chache as the next DG, but he is not required to.

If the political climate demands it, King may also choose to replace Monda with a member of a different clan.

Some claim that choosing a woman would be a brilliant political move that would improve Arati's standing in politics.