By Suleiman Mbatiah
A section of Nakuru leaders has accused area Senator, Tabitha Keroche of neglecting her constitutional mandate, saying her conduct has failed to advance the county’s interests in the Senate.
The leaders, led by Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria, claimed the senator has prioritized public political rhetoric over legislative work, often making what they described as sensational statements at churches, funerals and hotel press briefings.
The criticism follows remarks made by Senator Keroche last week, in which she accused Governor Susan Kihika of diverting county funds to construct a planned six-star hotel on Kenya Railways Corporation land near State House, Nakuru.
“These are serious allegations. The senator should have reported the matter to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and formally raised it on the floor of the Senate for investigation,” Gikaria said.
Gikaria, who disclosed that he also leases land from Kenya Railways in Nakuru, said such arrangements are legally issued under leasehold terms, with Kenya Railways retaining ownership while investors are granted usage rights for a defined period.
He added that the hotel project is owned by Governor Kihika’s spouse, businessman and philanthropist Sam Mburu, whom he said built his wealth through clearing, forwarding and transport businesses at a young age.
The MP further accused the senator of failing in her representation role, claiming she has frequently been absent during joint engagements by Nakuru leaders aimed at lobbying the national government for development projects.
He cited a recent visit by President William Ruto, saying Senator Keroche attended the launch of the Rironi–Mau Summit superhighway in Kiambu County but failed to attend a separate engagement when the President visited Nakuru.
“She is the link between the county and the national government, yet she skipped an opportunity for leaders to jointly present development priorities to the President,” Gikaria said.
Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama questioned why churches continue to offer the Senator platforms, accusing her of using them to spread misinformation and deepen political divisions.
Arama said he had engaged church leaders in his constituency to restrict speaking opportunities for politicians whom he believes undermine unity.
He also criticised the senator for repeatedly mentioning Mburu in her political statements, noting that he does not hold an elective office and has limited avenues to respond. Senator Keroche has declared interest in the Nakuru governorship in 2027.
“It is irresponsible. Nakuru residents should be careful about the leaders they elect. She has a right to seek any seat, but she should avoid maligning individuals who cannot easily defend themselves,” Arama said.
Businessman Maina Wakabura said the senator was elected to provide oversight, contribute to legislation and advocate for equitable sharing of national resources, but argued she has instead focused on political confrontations.
He claimed this approach had undermined Nakuru’s ability to secure Senate support for funding and development opportunities.
Wakabura also cited an employment dispute involving 17 staff members in the senator’s office, accusing her of failing to resolve payroll and workplace grievances.
“How do you demand accountability from others when your own office struggles with basic management?” he asked, saying persistent political battles had distracted attention from issues directly affecting residents.
Senator Tabitha said she was exercising her oversight mandate and would not be intimidated or distracted from holding leaders accountable, insisting her actions were in the public interest.