Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has made a controversial revelation about Senator Tabitha Karanja, stating that the senator is currently hospitalized in London.
Kihika’s disclosure comes after she faced intense backlash for spending five months in the United States on maternity leave.
Kihika, who has had a rocky relationship with Karanja, seems to have chosen this moment to air her political grievances, making the situation personal. However, the real question is whether Kihika’s move is simply an act of retaliation or a reflection of deeper political tensions.
The Political Fallout Between Susan Kihika and Tabitha Karanja
The relationship between Susan Kihika and Tabitha Karanja has been far from smooth. The two politicians, both prominent figures in Nakuru County, have found themselves at odds for months.
Kihika, having recently returned from a five-month maternity leave in the United States, faced severe criticism from Karanja and other political figures.
Karanja, known for her outspoken nature, took aim at Kihika’s decision to travel abroad for the birth of her child, accusing her of neglecting her duties as the county governor.
This criticism turned personal when Karanja remarked that a Nakuru woman had given birth on the roadside, an indirect jab at Kihika’s decision to give birth in the U.S.
The remarks created a political firestorm, with many calling for Kihika’s impeachment, but the governor’s supporters rallied behind her. However, the tide seems to have turned.
In an unexpected move, Kihika revealed that Senator Tabitha Karanja is currently receiving treatment in London. Kihika took to social media, urging her followers to pray for Karanja’s recovery.
She went further, claiming that despite their political differences, she wished the senator well, even while criticizing Karanja’s political approach.
“I am a very truthful person,” Kihika stated. “Yes, I am the one who brought her where she is, I held her hand. I don’t know where we fell out, but I want to take this chance to wish her a quick recovery because I know she is in hospital in London.”
This disclosure has only intensified the political rivalry between the two. While Kihika’s words might appear compassionate on the surface, there’s no denying the political undertones.
It’s clear that Kihika’s revelation is more than just a health update – it’s a calculated move to respond to Karanja’s earlier attacks.
Foreign Healthcare and the Health Crisis in Nakuru
One of the most glaring issues in this political conflict is the hypocrisy surrounding foreign healthcare. Kihika and Karanja, both leading political figures in Nakuru, have been relying on overseas medical care while Nakuru’s own healthcare system struggles to meet the needs of its residents.
The county’s healthcare facilities are reportedly in dire straits, with outdated equipment, insufficient staff, and a lack of essential medical supplies.
In fact, Kihika’s administration has been under heavy scrutiny for its handling of healthcare in Nakuru. The governor recently made headlines for ending contracts for over 500 health workers and firing 750 casual workers, a move that has only worsened the county’s health system crisis.
This has led to accusations of mismanagement and neglect from both Kihika’s political opponents and local residents. Yet, both Kihika and Karanja have found themselves seeking medical attention in foreign countries.
This has raised questions about their commitment to improving Nakuru’s healthcare system when they themselves rely on private hospitals abroad for treatment.
In her remarks, Kihika acknowledged the need for leaders to balance family life with their professional duties. She noted that motherhood is a blessing and shouldn’t be politicized, a sentiment that some view as hypocritical given her past actions.
Despite the criticism surrounding her extended maternity leave, Kihika insists that children and leadership can coexist, an argument that many have found hard to swallow in light of the county’s pressing issues.
Is Kihika Using the Tabitha Karanja Situation to Play Victim?
While Kihika might try to position herself as the victim in this political drama, her actions reflect a deeper issue of governance failure. The truth remains that Nakuru County’s health system is falling apart, and the leaders who are meant to fix it are too busy playing political games and relying on foreign healthcare.
As the 2027 gubernatorial race approaches, the rivalry between Kihika and Karanja is only expected to intensify. Both are eyeing the top seat, but their leadership capabilities remain in question.
Their dependence on foreign healthcare, while the people they serve struggle locally, speaks volumes about their priorities. It’s hard to take their calls for better governance seriously when they refuse to fix the problems right in front of them.
Kihika’s revelation about Karanja’s hospitalization in London is a clear reflection of the political undercurrents that define their relationship. While Kihika may claim to wish Karanja well, the timing and the context suggest that this is as much a political statement as a health update.
As Nakuru’s health system continues to crumble, both Kihika and Karanja are facing increasing pressure to do more for their people before they find themselves out of touch with the electorate in 2027.
