Governor Kihika Accuses Senator Cheruiyot Of Stoking Ethnic Politics In Nakuru

By Suleiman Mbatiah

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has launched a blistering attack on Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, accusing him of stoking ethnic divisions in the cosmopolitan county.

Speaking to residents in Rhonda, Nakuru Town West sub-county on Saturday, Kihika warned ‘outside leaders’ against interfering in county affairs following a controversial meeting organized by the Kericho senator.

Her outburst followed a Friday gathering at a Solai hotel where Cheruiyot hosted selected MPs from Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet, Baringo and other counties in the South and Central Rift region.

The closed-door session reportedly focused on welfare concerns of the Kalenjin community in Nakuru, raising questions about ethnic inclusion in county appointments and resource allocation.

“Yesterday, some people came here and poked my eyes. I have always said this county is cosmopolitan, and we have fought against any efforts to introduce ethnic politics. I condemned Gachagua for tribal politics, and I will equally condemn you (Aaron Cheruiyot) for coming from Kericho to spread such politics here,” Kihika said amid cheers from locals.

The Governor accused political leaders from several counties of inciting the Kalenjin community against her administration, specifically targeting Woman Representative Liza Chelule as part of the political scheme whom she accused of fanning divisions despite calling herself ‘Mama Cohesion’.

The confrontation exposes deep-seated tensions in Nakuru’s political landscape, where ethnic balancing has become increasingly contentious ahead of the 2027 elections.

Concerns have been mounting that the Kalenjin community in Nakuru has been marginalized in opportunities and appointments despite being strong political partners in President William Ruto’s 2022 election victory.

Rongai MP Paul Chebor, who represents a predominantly Kalenjin constituency, had previously criticized Kihika’s administration for allegedly sidelining his community in county appointments.

Chebor and Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai announced a political truce with the Governor in July 2025 to counter the growing influence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party in the county. However, by December 2025, Chebor was threatening to abandon the ceasefire, claiming allies of the Governor were plotting against him.

The MP had been among the most vocal critics of Kihika’s leadership style before their temporary rapprochement.

During the Friday gathering, Cheruiyot praised Kihika for standing with President Ruto during the 2022 elections but suggested that concerns raised by locals needed to be addressed through proper engagement.

“We have all elected leaders in office, right from the MCA to the president. Work with them and raise the issues. If there are issues people feel have not been addressed well, then it’s about engagement, and she can work on it,” the senator said.

On his Facebook page, Cheruiyot shared photos from the meeting accompanied by a biblical verse and the caption: “Glad to have met with friends from across Nakuru County.”

The senator has not issued a formal response to Kihika’s allegations.

Kihika doubled down on her warnings against what she termed divisive politics, declaring her commitment to preserving Nakuru’s reputation for ethnic harmony.

“Somebody seeking kingpin leadership coming to use Nakuru as a launchpad for 2032 is reckless. You can’t come here and call a meeting of one ethnic community in disregard of the ethnic fabric we have here,” she said.

The public spat has divided opinion online. While some residents support Kihika’s stance on protecting the county’s cosmopolitan character, others have questioned her political posturing.

Facebook user Thomas Mutunga asked: “What is so special with Nakuru county? The Governor doesn’t want to see anyone from Wamuyoro, now she doesn’t want to see anyone from other counties, is she ok?”

Nakuru, Kenya’s third-largest county, has historically prided itself on ethnic diversity and peaceful coexistence. The county is home to significant populations from multiple ethnic groups, including Kikuyu, Kalenjin, Luhya, Luo, and Kamba communities.

According to the 2019 census, Kalenjin people constitute approximately 12 percent of Kenya’s population, with substantial numbers residing in Nakuru County alongside the majority Kikuyu population.

The Kihika-Cheruiyot standoff reflects broader tensions in Kenya Kwanza politics as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.

Cheruiyot, as Senate Majority Leader, wields significant influence in national politics and is seen by some as positioning himself for higher office in future elections.

Kihika, meanwhile, is navigating a complex political landscape as she seeks re-election while managing ethnic sensitivities in a county where no single community dominates numerically.

The County Government Act requires that 30 percent of entry-level vacancies in county governments be filled by candidates from non-dominant ethnic communities. A 2023 audit by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission found that only 13 counties, including Nakuru, have complied with this requirement.

The governor has repeatedly warned against what she calls “tribal night meetings” that could destabilize the county’s social fabric, positioning herself as a defender of ethnic harmony in a region increasingly caught up in succession politics.