Hustle, power and love on the campaign trail: Meet Nakuru's first gentleman

Recent explosive allegations by the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua against Nakuru county‘s first gentleman Sam Mburu have caused a frenzy in the county’s political arena.

The reaction to the allegation especially from the Nakuru populace evoked curiosity among the public in regards to the identity and profile of the Nakuru governor Susan Kihika’s husband.

In what appeared as Mr Mburu’s first serious confrontation from a senior political figure, Mr Gachagua, who is President Ruto’s close friend turned foe, opened a discussion exposing Mr Mburu’s alleged influence in the country’s leadership.

According to Mr Gachagua, Mr Mburu who enjoys a close business relationship with the country's head of state has been giving directions to the security agencies in the country.

The police, he said, have been obeying the orders for fear of consequences of disobedience, especially knowing that annoying Mburu may attract the wrath from the powers that be.

So who is Sam Mburu?

Mburu, popularly known as Kiongozi (leader) was born and raised in Solai, Nakuru County. He grew up in a humble background where his parents ran a charcoal-burning business.

For school, Mburu attended Mosocho Academy in Kisii County before enrolling at Cardinal Otunga High School – Mosocho, where he studied between 1997 and 1998.

Shortly after, he began his entrepreneurial journey with a soft drink distribution shop before venturing into other businesses.

Mburu is said to have invested in a number of businesses top among them being Landmark Freight Services based in Mombasa, with branches globally.

He has also invested in the real estate business with properties in Nakuru, Nairobi, Kajiado and Mombasa.

So how does he know President Ruto?

Well trusted sources say that Mburu met President William Ruto in 2007, then an ODM MP for Eldoret North who was working with ODM leader Raila Odinga's son Fidel.

He is said to have participated in the campaigns for Ruto’s United Republican’s party in 2012 which later joined hands with former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s The National Alliance party.

It was also during the 2012 campaigns that he met Ms Kihika who had just arrived from the US.

As love brewed between the two, Mburu ultimately divorced his first wife and mother of his two children before tying the knot with Ms Kihika in a traditional themed wedding in 2020.

Mr Mburu is said to have fueled governor Kihika’s 2017 senatorial campaign machinery as well as her 2022 gubernatorial campaign.

It is perhaps Mburu’s close proximity to power that prompted the vicious verbal defense from a section of Nakuru politicians after Gachagua’s sentiments.

In fact, nominated MCA Hassan Duale who also sits in the UDA National Executive Council in his warning to Mr Gachagua described Mr Mburu’s issue as a ‘live wire’.

He explained that Mr Mburu is not your ordinary gentleman but a well-respected philanthropist who has done many charity events and supported empowerment programs in the county and beyond.

“I want to give you a warning on behalf of the young people of Nakuru. You have touched a live wire. That person is known here as a philanthropist who has helped many communities and empowered youth through his charity programs,” stated Mr Duale.

Nakuru assembly Majority leader William Mutai termed the attack on Mr Mburu by Mr Gachagua as reckless noting that the Nakuru residents will not tolerate them.

“Let the political and business issues be independent. Mr Mburu is a philanthropist who has always continued to support the youth agenda and empowerment programs in the county,” stated Mr Mutai.

Nominated MCA Dorcas Gathere on her part told off Mr Gachagua, noting that only members from the Kikuyu Community living in Rift Valley understand the importance and contribution of Mr Mburu.