The unending sibling rivalry between Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri and Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika escalated yesterday after the former endorsed Governor Lee Kinyanjui of Jubilee Party as his preferred candidate.

Ngunjiri who spoke in Bahati during Madaraka Day celebrations implored his constituents to vote for leaders who are development-oriented.

“The power is in your hands to elect whoever you want. However, let us get leaders who will promote development and we are all aware who that is,” said Ngunjiri.

He added: “Have they forced you to elect them? You know the type of leader to choose and the best person to continue developing the region. The answer for Nakuru is Lee and here in Bahati it is Kimani Ngunjiri,”.

Kihika and Ngunjiri who are in Deputy President’s William Ruto United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party have crossed paths on numerous occasions in the past with their battle threatening to split votes in favour of rival parties. 

At one point, the two clashed on who would control the party affairs in the Rift Valley before Ruto stepped in to calm the situation, with Kihika later appointed to take charge of the region’s campaigns.

Yesterday, Kihika in a gloves-off response to Ngunjiri’s endorsement of Kinyanjui called on Bahati residents to send Ngunjiri home.

Kihika said Bahati residents must make the right choice this time around and ensure they  elect visionary leaders: “I am also imploring my Bahati people to do the necessary, Ngunjiri must go home with Kinyanjui.”