Is CS Lee Kinyanjui plotting a political comeback in Nakuru?

Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui’s recent spate of visits to Nakuru County has reignited speculation about his political ambitions. The former governor, once one of the region’s most influential leaders, has attracted significant attention with his public appearances, prompting questions as to whether he is quietly laying the groundwork for a political comeback in 2027, or simply performing his Cabinet duties.

Over the past few months, Kinyanjui has been highly visible across Nakuru. On August 15, 2025, he attended the Nakuru County Investment Roundtable.

On October 5, he joined congregants at the ACK Cathedral of the Good Shepherd for their annual diocesan fundraiser. Between October 10 and 12, he is expected to attend the CITAM Nakuru Business Expo 2025 as the guest of honour.

These back-to-back engagements have kept him firmly in the public eye, blurring the line between official work and potential political positioning.

However, not everyone believes that his reappearance signals renewed political strength.

Benson Macharia, Chairman of Friends of Devolution, argues that Kinyanjui’s frequent visits will not necessarily translate into grassroots support. He claims that many Nakuru residents have felt alienated by him since he lost the 2022 election and was subsequently appointed as Cabinet Secretary.

“Even if he visits Nakuru every week, his political fortunes remain dim,” Macharia says. “He distanced himself from locals, doesn’t live in the county and never held a homecoming ceremony after becoming CS. People see him as elitist and disconnected from the realities of ordinary voters.”

Macharia also claims that the political landscape in Nakuru has shifted dramatically since Kinyanjui took office.

"Politics here are now shaped by the DCP ticket and government alignment ahead of 2027. The space he once commanded is gone,” Macharia says.

But not everyone agrees. Local political commentator and engineer Victor Ngatia believes that Kinyanjui’s growing visibility may be part of a carefully calculated comeback strategy.

He argues that rising public discontent with Governor Susan Kihika’s administration could provide an opportunity for Kinyanjui to present himself as a credible alternative.

“Many people judged him too harshly in 2022 based on political hype rather than his actual performance. Now, residents are beginning to appreciate that much of Nakuru’s current infrastructure and development was established during his time in office. His quiet approach mirrors that of 2017, when he entered the race late and surprised his opponents," Ngatia says.

Ngatia notes that, even without direct campaigning, Kinyanjui’s involvement in trade-related events keeps his name in the public eye. "He’s staying visible without breaking Cabinet protocol. If he declares his interest today, he’ll instantly become a serious contender."

However, Kinyanjui’s former political advisor, Beatrice Nyawera, dismisses any claims of political manoeuvring. She maintains that his appearances in Nakuru are purely official.

“It’s about his work as a CS, not politics,” she explains. ‘He attends similar events across the country and even abroad. What he’s doing in Nakuru is no different."

According to her, Kinyanjui’s focus is on implementing the government’s trade agenda and demonstrating how national programmes are transforming local economies.

"He’s showcasing how the Trade Ministry is empowering small businesses, opening global markets and creating opportunities for ordinary Kenyans," she says.

Nevertheless, observers note that, regardless of intent, Kinyanjui’s renewed visibility has thrust him back into Nakuru’s political conversation. Whether he is simply doing his job or testing the waters for a return remains to be seen, but his presence has certainly reignited debate and in Nakuru’s ever-shifting political arena, that alone is enough to keep people talking.