Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika is heading towards the 2027 General Election facing a political challenge that extends beyond the opposition: growing disagreements with leaders elected on the same political ticket that brought her to power.

Although Kihika remains aligned with President William Ruto and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), political divisions within Nakuru have increasingly become an issue as different leaders position themselves ahead of the next General Election.

The emerging disagreements could complicate her efforts to secure a second term, particularly as opposition figures regroup under former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

Kihika, who defeated former governor Lee Kinyanjui in 2022, is seeking to become the first Nakuru governor to serve two consecutive terms since the introduction of devolution.

But her re-election campaign is likely to be shaped by three major issues: her relationship with local elected leaders, the growing influence of rival political parties and questions surrounding her administration's development record.

UDA's Nakuru Political Family Faces Internal Divisions

One of the issues attracting attention in Nakuru politics is the increasingly complicated relationship between Kihika and some leaders elected on UDA tickets.

Despite sharing a political party with President Ruto and several local MPs, the governor has faced disagreements with a section of elected representatives over political appointments, regional representation and the management of county affairs.

A report by Nation published on October 27, 2026, detailed the disagreements between Kihika and several MPs, including Rongai's Paul Chebor.

Chebor has previously criticised the governor over what he considers inadequate representation of the Kalenjin community in key county appointments.

Other leaders have also been linked to disagreements surrounding political succession, with some reportedly concerned that individuals associated with the governor's administration could challenge sitting MPs in 2027.

The tensions have exposed the difficulties of maintaining a united political camp in a county where different leaders have their own electoral ambitions.

For Kihika, the challenge is to maintain working relationships with influential local politicians while protecting her political interests as she seeks another term.

Tabitha Karanja's DCP Move Changes the Political Conversation

The entry of Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja Keroche into DCP has added another dimension to the unfolding political contest.

Karanja announced her departure from UDA on October 9, 2026, declaring her intention to pursue the Nakuru gubernatorial seat under Gachagua's party.

The move is significant because Karanja was elected senator in 2022 on a UDA ticket and had previously been associated with the political camp that supported President Ruto.

Her decision to join DCP places her on a different political platform from the governor.

Karanja has also emerged as one of Kihika's vocal critics, raising questions about the county government's performance in areas such as healthcare, education, water and infrastructure.

The senator's political shift could also bring the relationship between national political realignments and county-level leadership into sharper focus.

However, her entry into the race does not automatically translate into a united opposition, with different politicians expected to compete for influence and party nominations.

Rigathi Gachagua's DCP Gains Attention in Nakuru

Gachagua's political influence is another factor that could shape the Nakuru governor contest.

Since his departure from government, the former Deputy President has been building DCP as an alternative political platform, particularly in areas where UDA previously enjoyed significant support.

Nakuru is an important county in this political calculation because of its large and diverse electorate.

DCP's growing presence has attracted politicians seeking elective positions, including former NHIF Chief Executive Geoffrey Mwangi, who has been associated with the party's gubernatorial ambitions.

The party's ability to bring together different political interests could become an important issue as the election approaches.

For Kihika, the challenge is not only to defend her administration but also to retain support among voters and political leaders who helped secure her 2022 victory.

Lee Kinyanjui's Possible Return Adds Another Layer

Former Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui is another political figure whose movements could influence the 2027 contest.

Kinyanjui served as governor between 2017 and 2022 before losing to Kihika.

He currently serves as Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry.

His possible return to county politics has attracted attention, with reports indicating that he has been signalling interest in reclaiming the gubernatorial seat.

A potential rematch would bring together two politicians with an established electoral history in Nakuru.

Kinyanjui previously defeated Kinuthia Mbugua in 2017 before losing to Kihika five years later.

His political comeback, if formally pursued, would introduce another challenge for the incumbent and could influence how different political camps negotiate alliances.

The Kalenjin and Kikuyu Political Question

Nakuru's political composition makes the management of alliances particularly important.

The county has significant Kikuyu and Kalenjin populations, alongside other communities including Luo, Luhya, Kisii, Kamba and Maasai residents.

Political representation, appointments and resource allocation have previously featured in disagreements between local leaders.

The relationship between Kihika and politicians representing areas with significant Kalenjin populations has therefore attracted particular attention.

However, Nakuru's political dynamics cannot be reduced to ethnic numbers alone. Party loyalty, individual candidates, local development priorities and voter perceptions also shape electoral decisions.

For the governor, maintaining relationships across the county's different constituencies will be an important part of her political strategy.

Development Record Could Become a Major Campaign Issue

Away from party politics, Kihika's administration will also face scrutiny over its development record.

Her supporters are likely to argue that the county government deserves more time to complete ongoing projects and implement its development agenda.

Her critics, meanwhile, have questioned service delivery, management of public resources and the performance of county institutions.

The controversy surrounding the county government's 2024 takeover of Nakuru War Memorial Hospital has also featured in criticism directed at the administration.

These issues could become important campaign talking points as potential challengers seek to present alternative approaches to managing the county.

Kihika has defended her administration's performance and has repeatedly appealed to residents to give her another term.

In her latest appeal, the governor asked Nakuru voters to break the county's one-term pattern, arguing that frequent changes in leadership have affected development continuity.

The appeal reflects her intention to make continuity a central part of her re-election argument.

Can Susan Kihika Keep Her Political Camp Together Ahead of 2027?

The emerging political developments present Kihika with a challenge that goes beyond preparing for a direct contest against an individual challenger.

She must also navigate disagreements within the local political establishment, respond to the emergence of rival parties and convince residents that her administration deserves another five years.

The opposition, on the other hand, faces its own challenge of managing competing ambitions and building political cooperation around a possible gubernatorial candidate.

With Tabitha Karanja already announcing her intention to seek the seat on a DCP ticket, Geoffrey Mwangi associated with the same political camp and Lee Kinyanjui linked to a possible comeback, the field remains fluid.

The central question heading into 2027 is whether Kihika can maintain the political relationships necessary to defend her seat while making a convincing case for the performance of her administration.

For Nakuru residents, the contest will ultimately provide an opportunity to examine the competing records, promises and priorities of those seeking to lead the county.