Bold Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui fights to save Jubilee

Noah Cheploen @cheploennoah

Although he is often considered a reluctant politician, Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui is steadily shaking off this tag, having particularly taken centre stage in ongoing efforts to save Jubilee Party.

Governor Kinyanjui has over the years been seen as cautious and measured but recent events have given Kenyans a glimpse of his “unknown side” where he cuts the image of an ambitious,buoyant and bold politician.

Addressing the press in his office last week, Kinyanjui openly called for the sacking of Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju, Vice-Chair David Murathe and the entire secretariat, blaming them for the party’s dwindling fortunes.

Lost confidence 

Noting that the “revival strategy of the party” was being mooted behind the scenes, the first governor time said Kenyans would appreciate why it took long once the process to give the party a face lift is completed.

“We have lost confidence in the leaders and it is as straight as that… Tuju and Murathe, their days in Jubilee are over.

The party belongs to the people. We’re the ones who were elected in the party,” he said.

“Tuju is not going to any election, it is us who are going to elections; so we will not watch a party we formed, a party that has taken so long (to build) to be put in a situation where we have to compromise,” the Governor said, a clear departure from his soft mien.

Apart from taking firm and a strong position on the future of Jubilee, Kinyanjui has emerged as one of the key players in the race to unite Mt Kenya ahead of the 2022 elections.

According to sources, Kinyanjui is seen a uniting factor in the team comprising Governors Mwangi wa Iria (Murang’a), Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri) and James Nyoro of Kiambu.

Apparently, Kinyanjui has been given the mandate to lead the group owing to his “unifying factor” as witnessed during their last meeting in Meru where he was given significant prominence.

The meeting at the Kenya Methodist University (Kemu) grounds in Meru County was convened by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya and attended by Nairobi Deputy Governor Ann Kananu, Murang’a Woman Rep Sabina Chege and Kieni MP Kanini Kega, among others.

Governor Kinyanjui urged Mt Kenya leaders to forge a united front and reject leaders out to divide them for their own selfish political gains.

“We condemn plans to divide our region into East and West and we will negotiate as one,” he said.

Coming hot on the heels of the Senate approving the bid to confer Nakuru city status, Kinyanjui’s growing stature and his buoyancy has surprised both friend and foe especially his firm stand on national issues.

His dalliance with Mt Kenya politics has raised eyebrows in Nakuru, a county considered “little Kenya” owing to the fact that it is home to almost all the 42 ethnic groups and a place with vast historical significance, politically and economically.

It is noteworthy that Deputy President William Ruto commands significant following in the area and his fallout with President Uhuru Kenyatta has complicated matters for Governor Kinyanjui and other senior Jubilee leaders in the region.

The fact that the Mt Kenya voting bloc commands more than 50 per cent of the Nakuru County registered voters may have informed the decision by Governor Kinyanjui to rally behind President Kenyatta.

“The governor is balanced because this is a cosmopolitan county… he is also a development conscious leader,” said Moses Esekon, a youth leader. According to him, the governor will be re-elected because of his development record.

However, Nakuru Street Traders and Hawkers Association chairman Simon ole Naieku described Governor Kinyanjui as a good manager and a bad politician. “He is a good manager and a sharp leader but a poor politician.”