Governor Lee Kinyanjui in a tight spot as Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto break up

ODM leader Raila Odinga with Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui. [Joseph Kipsang, Standard]

When he was elected as the second governor of Nakuru, Lee Kinyanjui enjoyed massive support in the county that voted almost to a man for President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.

He was trusted with ensuring unity among two key ethnic communities that formed the huge voting bloc to see Uhuru and Ruto win.

In the four years he has been at the helm of the county leadership, he has not lost his enthusiasm.

Even as Uhuru and Ruto fall out and the ruling Jubilee Party split into two warring factions, Kinyanjui has remained neutral.

In public events, he would host the president and also attend functions where the deputy president is the guest of honour.

He extends the same courtesy to allies of the two leaders whenever they hold events in the county. “Four years of peaceful co-existence. Significant gains for devolution. Great memories of this day for hosting former PM Raila Odinga,” he said when he hosted the ODM leader on Tuesday.

Kinyanjui, a close ally of President Kenyatta, has in the past month hosted at least four presidential hopefuls. On Tuesday, he hosted Raila and senior politicians from Mt Kenya and Nyanza regions.

Raila used the opportunity to launch his 2022 roadmap as he seeks to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.

During the meeting with the Nakuru business community, Kinyanjui, who was the Master of Ceremony, kept his cards close to the chest without declaring his support for a Raila presidency. 

He instead emphasised the need for unity in the county that hosts nearly all the ethnic communities from across Kenya.

On August 6, Kinyanjui hosted Baringo Senator Gideon Moi in Molo after they both attended the burial of philanthropist Joseph Mathenge in Tayari village.

The governor steered clear of politics and instead spoke about his development track record and plans for the county.

“As leaders, we must work on policies that have consistency without plunging our investors into unprecedented losses,” Kinyanjui said. “We must create a conducive and predictable business environment.”

Gideon, who is among the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) principals, outlined areas of partnership that he would work on with the local leadership for the benefit of Nakuru residents.

“Your leaders and I will jointly work to deliver development in this area like the Njoro-Molo road which is in deplorable state. I will return when the time for politics comes,” said the senator.

On July 25, Kinyanjui accompanied Ruto to the consecration ceremony of Dr David Macharia as the fifth General Overseer of the Full Gospel Churches of Kenya in Langalanga.

During the event, the governor recognised Ruto’s support in Nakuru town’s quest for city status, which he initiated in 2018.

“I reached out to DP Ruto in private and public for his support, especially when the city status matter was before the Senate and he did not let us down.

“I urge my fellow leaders to use their positions and offices to pursue solutions to problems facing our people,” said Kinyanjui.

Ruto used the platform to campaign for his candidature and sustained his onslaught on the push for constitutional amendment.

Kinyanjui told The Sunday Standard he welcomes all leaders to the county to ensure all communities feel accommodated politically.

“We are a county of rich diversity in all our aspects,” he said.

“We shall not leave anything to chance to ensure we are peaceful before and after the next polls.”