Kinyanjui blasts Tanga Tanga MPs in church over 'Kihika for governor' chants as Ruto watches

Deputy President William Ruto (centre) with Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui (left) and Senator Susan Kihika. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui yesterday blasted a group of MPs allied to Deputy President William Ruto who attempted to ‘belittle’ him at a church function in the county.

Kinyanjui took Senator Susan Kihika and Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa head-on in the presence of the DP, accusing them of paying goons to come and heckle him during the consecration of Dr David Macharia as presiding bishop of the Full Gospel Churches of Kenya.

Drama started after Kinyanjui’s arrival at the church was greeted with a group of women chanting ‘Susan for governor’.

It took the intervention of police to calm down the women, whose heckling had temporarily put the church service on hold.

Tension was reignited when Jumwa stood to speak and addressed Senator Kihika as the “incoming Nakuru governor.”

Senator Kihika is among candidates who have expressed interest in the gubernatorial seat, which Kinyanjui is determined to retain for a second term.

When her time to speak came, Senator Kihika steered clear of her plans to succeed Kinyanjui in 2022, and instead focused on advising him on areas that need improvement.

“We helped usher in the city status of Nakuru town. I ask the governor to make sure as we enjoy the new status the hustlers are not discriminated against,” said Kihika.

When he took to the podium, Governor Kinyanjui took a swipe at Kihika and Jumwa, accusing the Senator of hiring the women to shame him before other leaders and the church.

He also took issue with Jumwa, urging her to steer clear of politics outside her area of jurisdiction.

“Jumwa pray for your friends but know Nakuru people have the intelligence to make their choices,” Kinyanjui said.