Governor Kihika, senator Karanja locked in bitter political feud, exposing UDA divisions ahead of 2027

Nakuru governor Susan Kihika (L) and senator Tabitha Karanja (R) The much-touted politics of 'sisterhood' between Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and the county's Senator Tabitha Karanja has collapsed. The two leaders, once allies who championed women's leadership in the run-up to the 2022 elections, are now engaged in a fierce power struggle ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial contest. During the campaigns, the duo projected unity and solidarity, raising expectations that they would work closely after clinching victory on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket. Today, however, simmering political rivalries have burst into the open, with personal ambition and divergent political interests driving a wedge between them. There are growing fears that the fallout could fracture UDA in Nakuru ahead of the 2027 polls. Senator Karanja has emerged as one of Kihika's fiercest critics, openly calling for her resignation over what she terms leadership failures. The senator is on record threatening to initiate a censure motion against the governor in the Senate. "As your senator, I can tell you for free, you cannot lead this county. I will move the Senate to pass a vote of no confidence against you. I humbly ask you to resign honourably," Senator Karanja said. She accused the governor of repeatedly defying court orders, citing various rulings by the Environment and Land Court that stopped the continued disposal of toxic and industrial waste into the Lake Nakuru basin. The senator also referenced court orders in the War Memorial case, which she claimed the county government had ignored. Karanja further demanded answers over the disappearance of a seven-month-old baby at Nakuru County Level Five Hospital last year. "We have not heard the governor say anything on all these cases. The person speaking is the County Secretary. We elected the governor and deputy governor. Where are they?" she posed. The senator also criticised Kihika's decision to seek maternity services abroad, arguing it sent the wrong message while women in Nakuru allegedly suffer due to poor healthcare. She proposed legislation to bar elected leaders from seeking medical treatment outside the country, saying leaders should invest in strengthening local health systems. Political clash The remarks drew sharp responses from county officials. County Secretary Dr Samuel Mwaura dismissed the senator's claims, defending the governor's record. "One of Governor Kihika's pledges was to improve maternal healthcare through better infrastructure, skilled workers, and service delivery. We have recorded great strides in antenatal care, up to 87 per cent, and skilled deliveries covering 76 per cent of Nakuru. In Kuresoi South, skilled deliveries stand at 80 per cent," he said. The feud has since escalated, with Governor Kihika threatening legal action against Karanja over what she calls false, defamatory, and malicious statements made publicly. In a demand letter, the governor accused the senator of making "false, gravely disparaging, and ex facie defamatory" remarks during a church service in Nakuru on December 21, 2025. Karanja allegedly claimed Kihika misappropriated public funds to construct a family-owned hotel worth billions of shillings on contested Kenya Railways land near State House, posing a national security risk. The governor has firmly denied the allegations. Kihika's lawyers argue the statements were malicious, reckless, and calculated to damage her reputation. "Our client has never misappropriated public funds and has never engaged in any fraudulent business," the letter states. No county funds have been used in any private enterprise linked to the governor. The legal team maintains the senator's remarks went beyond legitimate political oversight, amounting to unlawful defamation, describing the claims as a "gross distortion of the truth" aimed at politically undermining the governor. Governor Kihika has demanded an immediate and unconditional retraction, a public admission of liability, and a formal apology issued with the same prominence as the original statements. She has also demanded that Senator Karanja cease making or endorsing similar allegations. The senator has been given seven days to comply, failing which the governor says she will institute defamation proceedings.

Governor Kihika, senator Karanja locked in bitter political feud, exposing UDA divisions ahead of 2027

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Governor Kihika, senator Karanja locked in bitter political feud, exposing UDA divisions ahead of 2027

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