Governor candidates lock horns in live debate

It was a battle of titans as Nakuru governor candidates on Sunday night locked horns in a live debate hosted by Citizen  TV.

Led by incumbent Lee Kinyanjui and Senator Susan Kihika, the candidates  tackled a wide range of pertinent issues including security, economy, health, water, unemployment, roads and agriculture among others.

Three other independent candidates: Stanley Karanja, Munyua Waiyaki and Elijah Chege also participated in the live show.

In his introduction, Kinyanjui said he had laid a firm foundation for growth and development, adding that he has great plans in store.

“Counties that recycle (remove) their leaders in the first term will not be able to achieve their goals. I, therefore want to take this opportunity to say that we have laid a firm foundation that will see Nakuru grow exponentially in the next five years,” he said.

Kihika said she is best placed to take Nakuru to the next level, poking holes in Kinyanjui’s leadership.  “I believe I am the change needed in Nakuru because of my background and experience,” she said.

Graft allegations

She also said she will prioritise health, water, early childhood education and technical training among others while Karanja said he would focus more on economic revival, provision of clean water and job creation.

“My priority  will be to ensure there is no excess fluoride in our drinking water because our people are suffering from discoloration of teeth and weakening of bones because excess fluoride in our water,” Waiyaki said.

But in a quick rejoinder, Kinyanjui accused Waiyaki of being irresponsible, saying although there are water challenges in Nakuru, it is not true that locals have brown teeth and weak bones.  “My work as a governor is also to defend both our image. It is wrong and irresponsible to say the people of Nakuru have brown teeth and weak bones,” said Kinyanjui.