Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has made it clear that she will be defending her seat come 2027.
The declaration has seen opponents eyeing the Nakuru gubernatorial seat in 2027 start going to political gym in preparation for 2027.
Perhaps her opponents are quite aware that Kihika- a daughter of former Nakuru Politician the late Kihika Kimani is not just any other politician, but one who understands the political dynamics in Nakuru.
Infact many political pundits argue that Governor Susan Kihika is walking in the foot paths of her late gather Kihika Kimani who never gave a damn when it comes to defending constituents.
Susan Kihika’s political journey since her times as the first female speaker of the county Assembly of Nakuru, first female Senator of Nakuru and first female Governor of Nakuru is that of resilience especially in the male dominated political space.
During her times as speaker, she stood firm when there was pressure from County Assembly members who wanted to impeach her on what she termed as mere political reasons.
As fate would have it, Kihika maintained her stand and finished her term as speaker before she declared her interests in the Senatorial seat, in which she successfully contested and served in various committees of the Senate among them Legal and Justice Committee.
The Committee that was very vocal during the Solai Dam tragedy demanding justice for the victims of the Patel Farm Dam that burst it’s banks killing several people and leaving families in devastation.
A firm stand that she has on various issues touching on common citizens has seen her christened as ‘Iron Lady’ in make dominated society full of make chauvinism.
It will be recalled that during the revenue allocation bill for the counties, Kihika stood firm in Senate in defending the share for the people of Nakuru.
A seasoned politician who is now serving her first term as Nakuru Governor, Kihika believes in the voice of the people.
It is for this reason that she has been holding meetings with opinion leaders from various Subcounties just to listen to their views and areas that need redress.
A similar meeting in Rongai Subcounty saw her burry political differences with area MP Paul Chebor as well as the Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai, a move that saw her earn a name as a unifying factor among leaders in Nakuru.
Currently, Kihika has support of several MPs and MCAs in Nakuru, a move that political pundits argue is healthy for her re-election come 2027.
Some of politicians who have shown interest in the Nakuru Gubernatorial seat come 2027 include CPA Geoffrey Mwangi, and former Nakuru Speaker Joel Kairu.
Though he has not yet declared interest, sources have it that current Trade CS and former Governor Lee Kinyanjui might also declared interest.
However, political pundits argue that unseating Governor Kihika from the seat will not be a walk in the park.
For Kihika, there are several factors that make it difficult for opponents to sail through.
FamousNakuru.co.ke delves into some of these factors.
Kihika’s existing power base, resources, and the support she commands is a factor that cannot be ignored.
Having served as Speaker, Senator and now Governor, her name is now a household one that does not need introduction.
Besides being a Governor with salary and allowances, Kihika is also a businesswoman and married to one of the great and successful Businemen in the country Kiongozi Sam Mburu, hence funding for the campaigns that awaits her in 2027 then she has an upper hand.
Through her Governor Mashinani meetings, Kihika has been able to bond with Nakuru residents through her open meetings for opinion leaders in various subcounties.
She also established Governor Mashinani representatives who will always listen to the ground and the concerns of the people and forward then to the County Government for action.
Besides, Governor Kihika’s phone has always been public, and she always responds to calls even if it means later after her day’s engagements.
The existing power base might also play key role in favour of Governor Susan Kihika who has built through years of service, Sub County outreach, and delivering on promises.- This can make it difficult for a challenger to gain traction.
Meanwhile, Kihika has laid down her development agenda in various dockets.
Recently during the signing if contracts for top county staff, Governor Kihika tasked them with one agenda of ensuring they help accelerate development agenda.
She is a leader who does not believe in unnecessary noise and drama, but her focus is on development for the people.
When Kihika assumed office, she made it clear that for the value of money, she will ensure that all stalled projects started by her predecessor are completed.
And true to her words, the Afraha and Olenguruone stadia are to be completed through the partnership of County Government and KDF.
Another stalled project that she has vowed to complete is the Trauma Centre at Nakuru PGH.
Kihika also prides in having increased bursary issuance as compared to the figure that was there before.
She also introduced the Mama na Lishe program for ECDE learners- a program that has seen improved enrollment in ECDE centres.
On matters health, she has continued to put in place measures to improve the status of health facilities and ensure the welfare of staff.
Under her leadership, several Level 4 Hospitals are coming up in every Sub County.
“I want to ensure that we have a healthy human resource for a healthy county,” she she stated in one of the functions.
Kihika has also improved infrastructure through collaboration with MCAs and she argues that leadership is all about service to the people, who in turn will make decision on ballot basing in development record.
On matters Party Machinery, though Kihika has not declared which party she will contest with come 2027, she has been a good political cards player who understands dynamics.
She is a strong supporter of President William Ruto’s development agenda.
“I don’t fear stating that I support our President William Ruto and his development agenda towards transforming Kenya through Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” she once stated in a public forum.
Another key aspect that will propel Kihika is that incumbents often receive more media attention, which can help them control the narrative and influence public perception.
Voter Loyalty and Sentiment is another aspect where voters will be loyal to their current leaders.
In conclusion, unseating Kihika is a complex undertaking that requires significant effort, resources, and strategic planning by opponents.