Governor Kihika Claims Senator Tabitha Karanja Hospitalised in London

Political tensions in Nakuru County have intensified following a public dispute between Senator Tabitha Karanja and Governor Susan Kihika. 

The conflict ignited after Governor Kihika, in a recent media appearance, alluded to Senator Karanja's alleged hospitalisation in London, a claim the Senator has vehemently denied, asserting it as a politically motivated smear campaign. The controversy unfolded on May 1st when Governor Kihika, during an interview on the vernacular podcast "Kogi’s Corner," extended her well-wishes to Senator Karanja. 

"I want to take this opportunity and wish her a quick recovery too. I know she is in a hospital in London," Kihika stated, without providing specific details regarding the supposed medical condition.

Senator Karanja swiftly responded with a categorical denial. "I thank God I am not sick, I am not in a hospital, and I have not been hospitalised," she declared. 

In a counter-accusation, the Senator alleged that political operatives within the county government were orchestrating a disinformation campaign, misusing public funds to finance digital attacks against her. This incident marks the latest escalation in an ongoing political feud between the two prominent Nakuru leaders. The rift has been punctuated by disagreements on various governance issues, most recently focusing on Governor Kihika's maternity leave and its implications for county leadership continuity. 

Senator Karanja had previously voiced concerns regarding Governor Kihika's absence from office during her maternity leave. The Senator argued that the Governor failed to adhere to legal protocols regarding the formal transfer of power during an extended absence, as mandated by Kenyan law. She emphasised the importance of transparency and clarity for the residents of Nakuru regarding the county's leadership during the Governor's absence.

"Our concern is not that Governor Kihika traveled to give birth, as we are happy for her. The issue is that she has effectively been on leave for months," Karanja stated. 

According to Senator Karanja, legal provisions require the publication of a formal transfer of instruments of power in the Kenya Gazette when a Governor is absent for a prolonged period. She further criticised Kihika for allegedly leaving critical county matters unresolved, including the continued closure of the War Memorial Hospital, despite a court order mandating its reopening.

"In short, the county government is at a standstill as we speak. Our other major concern is that there were serious issues left behind, including, among others, the reopening of the War Memorial Hospital, which the court ordered to be reopened last year, yet up to now, it has not been opened," Karanja asserted.

Governor Kihika, who has since resumed her official duties, defended her maternity leave, asserting the right of all leaders, including women in positions of power, to prioritise family care. She dismissed Karanja's criticism as politically motivated and cautioned against leveraging motherhood as a tool for political disputes. 

Furthermore, Governor Kihika rebuffed Senator Karanja's allegations that Nakuru's governance had stalled, insisting that essential county functions continued to operate efficiently during her absence. She also acknowledged the political manoeuvring in anticipation of the 2027 general elections, suggesting that Senator Karanja's critiques were driven by electoral ambitions.

"I do not have any problem with her as long as she knows her line of work and I do my work. In 2027, I know what she wants… but if you ask me, she is going about it the wrong way. She is going about it a bit personally," Kihika remarked.

Senator Tabitha Karanja's entry into politics follows a successful career as an entrepreneur in Kenya's industrial sector. She is widely recognised as the founder of Keroche Breweries, a pioneering alcoholic beverage manufacturer that challenged the dominance of established multinational corporations and became Kenya’s first indigenous brewing company. Born in 1964 near Kijabe, Karanja was the eldest of ten children. 

She earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Nairobi and later obtained a master’s degree from Kenya Methodist University. Karanja began her career as an Accounting Clerk at the Ministry of Tourism before venturing into business with her husband, Joseph Muigai Karanja. In 1997, they transitioned from running a hardware store to establishing Keroche Breweries, initially producing fortified wine targeting the lower-income market segment.

Despite encountering regulatory hurdles and taxation challenges, the company successfully diversified its product portfolio to include gin, vodka, and beer under the flagship brand Summit. Keroche Breweries significantly expanded its production capacity in 2013. However, in recent years, the company has faced legal and tax disputes with government agencies, leading to temporary shutdowns and operational disruptions.