Barely back, already at war: new drama unfolds between Susan Kihika and Tabitha Karanja

Barely a week after her return from the United States, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has sparked fresh controversy by taking a swipe at her political arch enemy, Senator Tabitha Karanja.

In her first public interview since her return to the country on Thursday night, she claimed that the senator was unwell and had sought treatment abroad in the UK.

Critics saw her comment as a veiled attack on the senator and an attempt to "get back at" Ms Karanja, who is believed to have orchestrated similar attacks on her during her maternity leave.

Governor Kihika even went on to wish the senator a speedy recovery.

Responding to a question about her relationship with other elected leaders, Ms Kihika was quick to explain her cordial relationship with all other leaders in the county except the senator who she had reservations about the way she performs her oversight role.

"Because I am also a truthful person, the only person I will say we do not have a good working relationship is the senator. She has made personal attacks against me and my family. I don't even understand why she has a problem with me having babies but I want to use this opportunity to wish her a speedy recovery as I know she is in hospital in London," Ms Kihika said.

"I want the senator to know that children are a blessing from God and there is no way we will stop having children just because we are leaders," she said.

However, her statement was picked up by bloggers who criticised the senator for seeking health abroad instead of the local health facilities she has been advocating for.

In a swift response, Senator Karanja denied the allegations that she was seeking medical treatment abroad.

In fact, Ms Karanja says she is fine and had gone on holiday to London during the short recess of the Senate.

"I have taken the opportunity to step away from my busy schedule for a short holiday here in London. I am in excellent health, full of energy and fully prepared to resume my supervisory duties next week. I thank God that I am not sick, I am not in hospital and I have not been hospitalised," Ms Karanja posted on her Facebook page.

She described the claims as fake news and propaganda being spread by bloggers paid by the county.

She argued that the county should use the money to improve service delivery.

"No amount of intimidation will deter me from carrying out my oversight, representative and legislative duties. I also take this opportunity to strongly condemn those who wish others terminal illnesses for political gain. Such acts are inhumane, deeply saddening and have no place in a civilised society," said Ms Karanja.

Ms Karanja has been a vocal critic of Governor Kihika's regime, accusing him of poor service delivery and even calling for his impeachment.

While on maternity leave, Ms Karanja claimed the county was in a leadership crisis, arguing that the governor had failed to legally transfer power to the deputy, leading to a power struggle with the county secretary.