A side-by-side image of Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and Senator Tabitha Karanja. PHOTOS | COURTESY
May 2, 2025
A dramatic war of words has erupted between Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, after the latter claimed during a public radio appearance that the senator was hospitalized in London. The comments have sparked a flurry of public speculation, political tension, and social media debates — with Senator Karanja firmly denying the reports and accusing her political rival of spreading falsehoods.
Speaking on a vernacular radio station earlier this week, Governor Kihika stunned listeners by stating, “I want to wish a quick recovery to Senator Tabitha Karanja. I know she is in a hospital in London.” The brief comment, seemingly made in goodwill, immediately triggered an avalanche of concern and speculation online about the health of the influential senator.
However, Senator Tabitha Karanja — currently in London — quickly dismissed the hospitalization reports as entirely false and politically motivated. In an official statement shared on her verified social media platforms, she reassured Kenyans that she is on vacation and in excellent health.
“I am not hospitalized. I am currently enjoying a well-deserved break in London during the Senate recess, which began on April 18 and ends on May 5,” she stated. “I am healthy, energized, and ready to resume my duties once Parliament reconvenes. Any reports claiming otherwise are false and part of a deliberate smear campaign.”
The senator, who also serves as Deputy Majority Leader in the Senate, pointed fingers at Governor Kihika’s administration, accusing it of engaging in propaganda and using taxpayer resources to wage political battles.
“It is unfortunate that leaders would stoop so low as to fabricate health issues about their colleagues,” Karanja said. “This is the same leadership that is failing to deliver on its promises to the people of Nakuru and is instead investing in political theatrics.”
Observers believe the tensions between the two prominent Nakuru leaders — both of whom are affiliated with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) — are a sign of growing friction within the county’s political elite. Despite sharing a party, their working relationship has often appeared strained, with past disagreements over budget allocations, development priorities, and grassroots engagement.
Political analyst Mark Muriuki noted, “Governor Kihika’s comments might have been framed as a concern, but given the history of conflict between the two, it’s hard not to see it as politically charged. It could be interpreted as an attempt to cast doubt on Senator Karanja’s fitness to serve.”
Meanwhile, supporters of Senator Karanja have taken to social media to express outrage, accusing Kihika of political sabotage. “This is cheap politics. A governor should focus on service delivery, not rumor-mongering,” wrote one X (formerly Twitter) user under the hashtag #TabithaIsWell.
The incident has also raised broader questions about political accountability and ethics in Kenya. Civic groups have urged leaders to exercise decorum and responsibility when discussing colleagues in public forums. The Centre for Political Ethics Kenya (CPEK) released a statement saying, “The use of health matters as a political tool is not only unethical but potentially harmful. Leaders should uphold dignity in their public discourse.”
Tabitha Karanja is no stranger to resilience and public scrutiny. As the founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries, she has risen from humble beginnings to become one of Kenya’s most successful entrepreneurs. Her 2022 election to the Senate with over 440,000 votes marked her debut into national politics, a move that shook the political establishment in Nakuru County.
The senator’s family has also had its share of public attention. She is married to Joseph Muigai Karanja, who serves as Chairman of Keroche Breweries. The couple had four children, including the late Tecra Muigai, whose death in 2020 drew national attention.
As the political drama unfolds, one thing is clear: Tabitha Karanja is not backing down. “I will not be distracted,” she asserted. “The people of Nakuru elected me to serve, and that is what I will continue to do.”
With the Senate expected to resume next week, all eyes will be on how the saga between the senator and the governor plays out — and whether the rift signals deeper divisions in Nakuru’s political future.
