'Leave my husband alone!': Kihika fires back at Gachagua

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has told former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, to keep off her husband, publicly defending him for the first time since she was sworn in, in August 2022.

This bold warning came after Gachagua accused her husband, businessman Sam Mburu of being behind a police operation in Subukia on Sunday, where Democratic Citizens Party(DCP) members were teargassed and forced to flee from the area.

Gachagua also questioned Mburu’s business dealings listing some of the businesses Mburu has been conducting with President Dr. William Ruto.

But Kihika wasn’t having it.

Speaking during the Taifa Care launch in Nyayo Garden on Wednesday, the governor gave a no-nonsense response.

“My husband is not a politician. He is a Kenyan like any other with the right to live, work, and do business,” she says.
Further questioning, “Isn’t Sam Mburu a Kenyan? Doesn’t he have the right to conduct business in his own country without being vilified for it?”

Some, like Health CS Aden Duale believe Gachagua’s shots might have less to do with actual incidents and more to do with Mburu’s well-known friendship with President William Ruto. But Kihika wasn’t entertaining the thought.

“Dragging my husband into politics is not only unfair, it's cowardly. If you have an issue with me, face me directly,” she notes, drawing applause from the crowd.

As the Governor’s husband, Mburu has kept a low profile only publicly interacting with Nakuru residents during Christmas at their Ngata home, where neighbours are treated to a Christmas party and some goodies.

While Mburu mostly keeps his head down and focuses on his businesses, he's also made a mark in Nakuru’s football scene.

Mburu has either organized or supported several grassroots tournaments, including the First Gentleman’s Football Tournament, a growing hit with the youth.

The couple who tied the knot in a colourful traditional wedding in November 2020 also made news earlier this year, after welcoming twin babies, sparking conversation on social media.

So, the question remains, is Mburu being dragged into the political drama simply because of who he married or who he’s friends with?

Although Gachagua said he has receipts he could serve to Kenyans on Mburu’s dealings, Kihika’s words are clear, ‘leave family out of it’.

The message to Gachagua was short, sharp and left no room for misinterpretation.