Following the recent events, a merger between embattled former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and President William Ruto could be brokered in the next few days. 

On Sunday, March 12, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu chaired a meeting with Gusii leaders to enhance regional development. 

Among the leaders included Matiang'i and key leaders who have played pivotal roles in the current administration. 

Also present at the meeting was billionaire John Simba - a mogul and business extraordinaire. 

Business mogul John Simba addresses the media in November 2019. NMG

One of the agendas discussed in the meeting was Machogu's Kisii homecoming - whereby Ruto will be the chief guest.  

Machogu affirmed that his goal was to unite all Gusii leaders irrespective of their political affiliation.

Simba, a key and close ally of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, was touted as one of the key leaders seeking a truce between the former CS and Ruto.

Profile

Politics is regarded as the battle of influence and wits through power-play, a critical component as wealthy businessmen line up billions of shillings to fund their preferred political leaders.

Simba was touted as a critical figure who funded Uhuru's 2017 presidential campaign. In a Foundation titled Friends of Jubilee Foundation, seven men were reported to fund the campaign with Simba as the lobby's chair.

Having amassed decades of experience in various sectors, the businessman is a senior partner at Simba and Simba Advocates. 

He also chairs and sits on the boards of several Kenyan organisations, including Nomination, Remuneration & HR Committee (NR&HRC), Choice Tea Brokers Limited, Funguo Investments Limited, Federation of Kenya Employers, Kenya Bankers’ Association, Retirement Benefits Authority, University of Nairobi Council and is the president of the Rotary Club of Nairobi.

Simba also serves as Sanlam Kenya Plc, chairman and director in other companies, including Hima Cement Limited in Uganda, Almasi Beverages Limited (a Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Limited subsidiary), and Africa Energy Group Limited.

The businessman is a member of three legal societies, including the Law Society of Kenya. East African Law Society and International Bar Association.

Having graduated from the Univesity of Dar-es-Salaam with a Bachelor of Law, Simba also holds a Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) degree from the University of Nairobi (UoN) and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu (right) in a meeting with former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i at a Nairobi hotel on Sunday, March 12, 2023.  Brian Kimani, Kenyans.co.ke