Politics changeth man: From quiet deputy governor to fearless leader

Since his introduction to Nakuru residents as Susan Kihika’s running mate in the 2022 General election, David Kones presented as one to have a reserved personality.

This was a sharp contrast from his boss to be, who was outspoken, bold and one to never shy away from a verbal exchange with other politicians eyeing the gubernatorial seat.

At the culmination of the election, Mr Kones found himself a new title, ‘Nakuru’s Deputy Governor (DG)’.

This office was far removed from his usual classroom in Kuresoi south where he was a teacher.

But despite the weight of the office, Mr Kones remained composed, quiet, living in the shadows away from the chaos that politics is known to thrive in.

Even when called to preside over an event, the DG would have a speech in hand, one that he would strictly stick to, never adding his own voice to it.

But all this seems to have changed in the recent past, as ‘the ground’ got heated over the absence of Governor Kihika and the allegations that the DG was embroiled in a power struggle with the county Secretary Dr Samuel Mwaura.

Seen as an opportunity to rubberstamp his authority, Mr Kones convened a press briefing on Tuesday April 1, first of its kind, to address some of the issues floated in the past four months.

Starting calmly, he asserted, “The county is running smoothly,” then continued with a list of projects the County has been doing.

But his composure quickly waivered when journalists started firing questions on the governor’s whereabouts.

Mr Kones would be seen glancing severally at the Director of Communications Bernard Namunane, as if seeking to be saved from the unrelenting fourth estate.

After some back-and-forth with a persistent journalist, Mr Kones asked, with sarcasm and never seen before boldness, “How do you want to see the governor? Do you want to see the governor physically walking or where? Because she has been around.”

After it was clarified that her last public event was on November 18 and that was the last time she was seen he asks, "Were you following her and wanted to know more about her?”

Amid the talons showing, the DG insistently repeated, "Things are running smoothly."

Seeing how heated the interview room had become, to calm things down Mr Kones throws in a joke saying they too have been hearing of the numerous stories on the internet, the same way we’ve been getting them and opines that it’s just a ploy by those people to remain relevant to their masters.

As the presser wound down he said, “You’ve not asked me about revenue collection, which I know you wanted to ask me,” ...crickets.

This was the third time in four days the DG had come out to insist all was well and that he was in charge; with the blessing of Governor Kihika of course.

In the past week, Mr Kones has been seen launching projects and chairing high-level meetings in the County, as documented on his Facebook page.

Perhaps this being an assurance that he is the captain now, steering Nakuru away from the dreadful iceberg that is underdevelopment.