Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has sharply criticised Senator Rodgers Cheruiyot, accusing him of promoting tribal divisions and undermining unity within Nakuru County’s political landscape. The remarks mark a fresh escalation in a widening rift between two of the region’s most influential leaders, whose disagreements have increasingly played out in public.
At a recent political gathering, Governor Kihika accused Senator Cheruiyot of using ethnic narratives to influence local politics, asserting that such tactics threaten cohesion and distract from pressing development priorities. She said that instead of focusing on service delivery and economic empowerment for Nakuru residents, some leaders were exploiting identity politics for narrow partisan gain.
“We must not allow tribalism to shape our agenda,” Kihika said. “Our people deserve leadership that unites and works for the common good, not rhetoric that divides and distracts from the real issues affecting our homes, businesses and future.”
The governor’s comments follow a series of public exchanges in which tensions between her office and the senator’s supporters have surfaced over policy decisions, resource allocation and political strategy in Nakuru. Kihika argued that leaders should emphasise inclusion and development rather than resorting to historical fault lines that have, at times, fractured communities across the region and the country.
In response, Senator Cheruiyot dismissed the allegations, saying they were politically motivated and aimed at deflecting attention from critiques of the county’s governance performance. He insisted that his actions and statements were rooted in genuine advocacy for local constituencies and did not represent tribal bias or incitement.
“Let us focus on issues that unite us,” Cheruiyot said in a brief statement. “We all want better schools, healthcare, infrastructure and opportunities for our people. The distractions do not help anyone.”
Political analysts say the dispute reflects broader dynamics in Kenyan politics, where local power struggles and personality rivalries often intersect with ethnic narratives, especially in counties with diverse demographics like Nakuru. They note that while political competition is inherent in democratic systems, rhetoric perceived as divisive can erode public trust and community harmony if not checked by dialogue and responsible leadership.
Residents of Nakuru expressed mixed reactions to the exchange. Some supported Governor Kihika’s call for unity, saying that the county needs leaders who prioritise inclusive development and resist polarising language. Others echoed the senator’s appeal to remain focused on socio-economic issues that affect everyday life, stressing that political disagreements should be resolved through constructive engagement rather than public accusations.
Civil society organisations in the region also weighed in, urging both leaders to temper their rhetoric and prioritise collaboration. They highlighted the importance of promoting social cohesion and warned against the dangers of identity-based politics, which they said can heighten tensions and distract from service delivery goals.
Experts on governance and peacebuilding emphasise that Kenya’s constitutional framework and democratic ethos require leaders to transcend ethnic divides and work toward consensus in problem-solving. They say that focusing on shared aspirations — such as job creation, infrastructure, education and health — is critical in areas like Nakuru, where diverse communities live and work side by side.
As political campaigning intensifies ahead of successive elections, observers say the interactions between Governor Kihika and Senator Cheruiyot will be closely watched, with potential implications for party alignments and voter mobilisation in the county. Many residents have called for cooler heads and more issue-driven dialogue that reflects their everyday priorities rather than polarising narratives.
For now, the public spat underscores the delicate balance between political competition and community cohesion, and highlights the responsibilities of elected leaders to promote unity, development and respectful discourse in service of the people they represent.
Image by Nation Africa
