Bahati Member of Parliament Kimani Ngunjiri's public support for Governor Lee Kinyanjui in the August 9 election has deepened rifts within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), triggering a direct confrontation with Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika. The dispute escalated after Ngunjiri addressed a gathering in Bahati on June 1, urging residents to back Kinyanjui's administration and reject Kihika's bid for the governorship.
Ngunjiri emphasized that voters should choose leaders focused on development, stating, "The answer for Nakuru is Lee, and here in Bahati it is Kimani Ngunjiri." His remarks drew immediate criticism from Kihika, who accused him of undermining party unity. In a statement hours later, she told supporters, "This time around the old man should go home," referencing Ngunjiri's political stance.
The conflict reflects broader UDA divisions over leadership and policy. Kihika has previously accused Ngunjiri of inconsistency, citing his 2020 vote for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) despite campaigning against it. "Kimani is peddling lies just to get attention," she alleged, referencing his recent endorsement of Kinyanjui. Ngunjiri countered that Kihika's opposition to the governor stemmed from personal grievances, asserting, "Politics is not about you but Nakuru residents." He warned against disrupting the party's cohesion, stating, "I won't allow Nakuru residents to be divided."
Images accompanying the report include a 2022 photograph of Kihika with Deputy President William Ruto and a file image of Ngunjiri with Ruto, highlighting their respective political alliances.
