Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika Sparks Political Storm After Mentioning ‘Wamunyoro’ During Madaraka Day Celebrations
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika caused a stir during the 2025 Madaraka Day celebrations after unexpectedly referencing “Wamunyoro” in her official address an incident that has since ignited political speculation and drawn national attention.
The mention came during the governor’s speech at the county’s Madaraka Day event held at Afraha Stadium, where dignitaries, local leaders, and thousands of residents had gathered to commemorate Kenya’s attainment of internal self-rule in 1963. As Governor Kihika addressed issues of national unity and development, she inadvertently referred to Wamunyoro widely recognized as the rural home of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“…We must ensure every part of Kenya, from Nakuru to Wamunyoro, is not left behind in the development agenda…” Kihika said, before quickly shifting to another topic. However, the brief mention was enough to ignite a wave of speculation across social media platforms and political circles.
The timing of the slip has been viewed by many as politically charged, given the recent dramatic fallout between Gachagua and President William Ruto. The fallout, which began with public disagreements over party leadership and resource allocation to Mt. Kenya counties, eventually culminated in Gachagua’s impeachment a move that sent shockwaves through Kenya’s political landscape.
In the weeks following his impeachment, Wamunyoro has become a symbolic reference point for those aligned with Gachagua, especially within the Mt. Kenya region. The estate, nestled in Nyeri County, has evolved into a quiet epicenter of opposition and dissent within sections of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, as well as among those who feel marginalized in the current administration.
Governor Kihika’s mention of Wamunyoro is now being interpreted in several ways. Political analysts are divided—some believe it was an innocent slip of the tongue, possibly caused by the recent media focus on the area, while others see it as a subtle but deliberate political signal.
“She is a seasoned politician. Such a reference, especially on a day as symbolic as Madaraka Day, is unlikely to be accidental,” said Dr. Njoroge Kamau, a political analyst and lecturer at Egerton University. “It could be a nod to Gachagua’s base or a subtle attempt to navigate the shifting tides within UDA.”
So far, Governor Kihika has not commented publicly on the remark, and her communication team has dismissed it as an “unfortunate slip.” However, the silence from State House and the absence of an official reprimand have only fueled speculation.
Meanwhile, allies of Gachagua have seized on the moment, hailing the mention as evidence of his continued influence and symbolic power within Kenyan politics. “Even those who pretend to be neutral can’t help but acknowledge Wamunyoro,” said one of his close associates on X (formerly Twitter). “It is more than a home it is now a political statement.”
As Kenya continues to grapple with growing political divisions and shifting alliances ahead of the 2027 general election, Governor Kihika’s offhand remark may go down as one of the many subtle signs of an increasingly fractious political terrain one where even a single word can reverberate far beyond its immediate context.
