Kihika Recalls ‘Ups and Downs’ With Late Blogger Elijah Kinyanjui

By Suleiman Mbatiah

Governor Susan Kihika has paid tribute to the late blogger and digital communication professional Elijah Kinyanjui Wakibara, recalling their often turbulent engagements while also describing him as a fearless man who stood firmly for his beliefs regardless of public opinion.

In a heartfelt condolence message, the Governor reflected on her long history with Kinyanjui dating back to her tenure as Speaker of the County Assembly of Nakuru, acknowledging that despite their political and ideological differences, he remained unwavering in his convictions and commitment to public discourse.

“Though we had our ups and downs, Elijah always stood firmly for what he believed in, however unpopular,” the governor stated in a Facebook post.

She described Kinyanjui as an influential blogger and communication professional whose work helped shape social and political discourse in Nakuru and beyond through the strategic use of digital platforms. She said he consistently used online spaces to advocate for issues affecting ordinary residents while championing digital platforms as tools for social change, civic engagement and public accountability.

While praising him as one of the pioneers of digital and citizen journalism in Nakuru County, the Governor credited him with mentoring many young people on the responsible use of online platforms to inform, engage and inspire society. According to Kihika, his influence extended beyond content creation, helping nurture a new generation of digital communicators and citizen journalists in the region.

Kinyanjui’s “Nakuru Analysts” platform grew into one of the county’s most influential online forums, creating a space for public debate, civic awareness and political engagement while helping elevate Nakuru’s social and political conversations to the national stage.

Through the platform, which attracted thousands of members over the years, Kinyanjui built a reputation as a vocal commentator on governance, county politics and social issues. His work in digital communication earned recognition beyond Nakuru County, with many viewing him as one of the early adopters of grassroots digital mobilization in Kenya.

The “Nakuru Analysts” platform was frequently cited by academic and social researchers globally as a prime example of how online discourse can evolve into offline grassroots collective action, particularly in discussions on the growing influence of citizen journalism and digital political engagement in Kenya.

Kihika said Kinyanjui would be remembered for consistently giving a voice to marginalized communities and individuals whose concerns were often overlooked in mainstream discourse. She noted that his contribution to public engagement and digital activism left a lasting mark on Nakuru’s civic and political landscape.

“May God grant them comfort and strength during this difficult time, and may Elijah’s soul rest in eternal peace,” she said while conveying her condolences to Kinyanjui’s family, friends, colleagues and all those whose lives he touched.