Kihika: Gachagua group has nothing new to Kenyans

By Wanderi Kamau

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has dismissed the newly formed opposition alliance aligned with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, claiming that it lacks fresh ideas and credible leadership to inspire change in Kenya.

Speaking during her first media appearance since returning from a five-month maternity leave in the United States, Kihika downplayed the significance of political figures associated with the group.

In an interview on the Kogi Corner Online TV Show aired Thursday, May 1, 2025, Kihika said the group comprised recycled politicians with nothing transformative to offer Kenyans.

“Honestly, when I look at this group… Eugene Wamalwa has nothing he is bringing on the table. My sister Martha Karua has just been there. What is this big thing that will change? Nothing. Kalonzo Musyoka has just been around,” she said.

Kihika was especially critical of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who some opposition supporters have touted as a potential reformist voice in the alliance.

“For Matiang’i… I am surprised by people fashioning him as someone new. He was there during Uhuru’s [Kenyatta] time. So many things happened when he was there. I don’t see the reason for any excitement. He never reformed the education sector. People were being killed in River Yala while he was in charge,” she added.

Her comments come in the wake of increasing political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections, where the opposition has been trying to rally public sentiment against President William Ruto’s administration following the impeachment of Deputy President Gachagua.

On the matter of Gachagua’s removal, Kihika defended the process, emphasizing that it was conducted within the bounds of the law.

From L to R (front): (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, former DP Rigathi Gachagua, Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Movement, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, and Dr Mukhisa Kituyi. Back (L to R): Jubilee chairman Saitoti Torome and former ministers Justin Muturi and Mithika Linturi. Photo/ Denish Ochieng’

“When you look at it [Gachagua’s impeachment], it followed the due process. The National Assembly followed the proper process as well as the Senate,” she asserted.

The Kihika-Karanja tussle

Kihika, a vocal supporter of President Ruto, has been absent from the political scene since late 2024 following the birth of her twins. Her return has reignited political debates in Nakuru County, particularly around her strained relationship with Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja.

“We have not been working well with [Senator] Tabitha Karanja. I will be lying if I say contrary. I am the one who introduced her to politics. I really can’t tell where we fell out,” Kihika revealed.

In a veiled reference to recent remarks made by Senator Karanja — who has been vocal about governance issues in Nakuru and reportedly plans to vie for the governorship in 2027 — Kihika questioned the senator’s recent conduct, calling it “very Unafrican.”

“In addition to this, I have never seen a woman making noise because of children. It’s very Unafrican,” Kihika said. “According to the way I have been brought up, even if you don’t get along with someone, you don’t wish them bad in their worst moments.”

Kihika further underlined the importance of motherhood and leadership coexisting, possibly in response to insinuations that her recent maternity leave could affect her political performance.

“I would like the Senator to know that children are a blessing from God and there is no time we shall fail to give birth because we are leaders. We are expected to procreate, have families, and lead at the same time,” she said.

While dismissing claims of a personal feud, Kihika hinted at the underlying political rivalry brewing between the two Nakuru leaders.

“I don’t have a problem with her. However, she must recognize the distinct lines between our duties,” she said. “I know what she is aiming at — she wants to vie for Nakuru governorship in 2027. If you ask me, she’s going the wrong way. She should not be so personal.”

For Nakuru County, the battle lines between Kihika and Karanja may just be the beginning of a long campaign season ahead.