Kinyanjui’s rebuke of Gachagua sparks speculation on his 2027 plans

As it has been the norm, posts from the Former Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui have time and again stirred conversations in the social media spaces, especially when he takes a more figurative language when addressing issues of national interests.

Following the same script, his recent post delivered a bitter message home sparking intense reaction from DCP leaders and political supporters.

The recent Facebook post by the Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industrialization, where he called out on the Democratic Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua over his public utterances regarding the Minesota fraud scandal.

“The DCP leader has been quoted requesting the intervention of the USA to investigate Kenya’s leadership over allegations of sponsorship through funds linked to the Minnesota fraud case. Never mind it’s in the very party he was the running mate,” read the post in part.

Mr Kinyanjui slammed Mr Gachagua for not being able to distinguish between political differences and matters of grave international significance.

“How can a leader seek to throw his own country into the deep end merely to score personal revenge? This brand of politics is retrogressive and dangerous,” read part of the post.

This, of course, evoked a reaction from the DCP, Nakuru Chapter Secretary General Simon Nasieku  in an interview with Mtaa Wangu, called out the former Nakuru Governor for condemning his party leader.

“The party leader was simply giving his sentiments following the expose done in the US, and therefore when the CS MITI came to call him out, I believe that was in bad taste,” he says.

The Secretary General further says that the CS should focus more on service delivery within his docket.

“In matters of politics, Nakuru for a long time has seen him as a voice of reason, and time and again, there has been talk of him looking to vie for the Governor seat; however, at the moment he seems to be siding with the same people who are oppressing the citizens,” he says.

Benson Macharia also condemns the sentiments of the former Governor. He says that the DCP party leader remains the only opposition leader who speaks out on matters affecting Kenyans as a whole.

“On several occasions we have seen Lee Kinyanjui come out to openly endorse this regime, while on the other hand Rigathi Gachagua now remains as the defender of the people,” he says.
Additionally, he says that in the political space, his support for the government of the day has tainted his image in the eyes of Nakuru residents.

Ezekiel Kamau, a political analyst and accountability ambassador, says that the recent sentiments continue to cast a long shadow over his political standing and future aspirations, especially within Nakuru County.

“What was initially perceived as a political castigation has since evolved into a reputational burden. These remarks were ill-timed and potentially self-defeating, raising concerns about their long-term impact on his acceptability among the diverse electorate of Nakuru. Nakuru County remains a highly cosmopolitan political landscape, characterized by multiple strong parties and shifting dynamics,” he says.

Dominant political players in Nakuru include DCP, Jubilee Party, KANU, ODM, among others. success in such an environment demands careful articulation, inclusivity, and political foresight conduct.

He concludes by saying that Nakuru County is defined by diversity and competitive pluralism. Political leaders must exercise restraint and strategic judgment when making public statements. Sentiments driven by temporary political alignments risk undermining future ambitions.

“Going forward, CS Lee Kinyanjui must recalibrate his political approach and prioritize the collective interests of the people over partisan or government-centric considerations. Leadership in Nakuru requires unity, sensitivity, and unwavering people's support,” he says.