Twist as Kinyanjui’s ex-minister backs rival Kihika

The race for Nakuru governorship took a new twist yesterday after immediate former County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance Peter Ketyenya endorsed Senator Susan Kihika to unseat his former boss Governor Lee Kinyanjui.

Ketyenya also dropped out of Kuresoi parliamentary race “to focus on helping Kihika to clinch the seat”, triggering speculations he may have been promised running mate post.

While announcing his withdrawal from the race, Ketyenya said he had been appointed to Deputy President William Ruto’s presidential team as an economic advisor.

“This is a great platform that we will use to actualise the Bottom-up Economic Model that will revive the dwindling economy of this country and put money in the pocket of every Kenyan,” he said. “I am grateful to my people of Kuresoi and Nakuru for the support that you have accorded me in the past.”

“I have gained experience in governance and administration learning from the successes and failures and now ready to steer our county government to prosperity,” he stated.

“As we head to April nominations and August General Elections, I will actively take part in county level politics seeking to revive devolved sectors to improve livelihoods of our people right from highlands of Kiptagich to the hills of Mai Mahiu,” he revealed.

He said that he will use his new opportunity to “unite all communities in Nakuru, giving equitable share to the marginalized, end any form of discrimination and promote coexistence among all ethnic communities.”

“I therefore, humbly request you to vote for Madam Susan Kihika as your next Governor and DP Ruto as our next president. A fresh start, a new beginning!” he added.

As news of his move gathered broke out, Ketyenya urged UDA supporters not to focus so much on who becomes Kihika’s running mate but rally behind her to ensure she wins the seat.

Apart from Kihika, Stanley Karanja is also eyeing the seat on a Jubilee ticket. Karanja was former Senator James Mungai who unsuccessfully vied for Nakuru governorship in 2017.

Governor Lee Kinyanjui, who is defending his seat on the newly found, Ubuntu People’s Forum (UBF), is relying on his track record and development agenda to retain his seat.