Elected in 2022 on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, Kihika is seeking a second term in one of Kenya’s most politically competitive and ethnically diverse counties.
Her re-election bid places her among female county chiefs such as Gladys Wanga and Cecily Mbarire who are also preparing to defend their seats in 2027.
The controversy centers on a statement widely shared on social media in which Kihika is quoted saying in Swahili:
The controversy centers on a statement widely shared on social media in which Kihika is quoted saying in Swahili:
“Nilikuwa na mashida ndio maana sikuwafanyia kazi mwaka wa kwanza, nitaanza kazi mwaka wa pili ukiisha ndio mnipee TUTAM.” Roughly translated, the statement suggests she faced challenges during her first year in office and would begin delivering more effectively afterward.
The phrase “TUTAM” has since become a political flashpoint. Critics have interpreted it as vague, dismissive, or even satirical, arguing that it appears to downplay concerns about the pace of development during her first year.
Opponents have used the remark to question her administration’s efficiency, pointing to stalled projects and what they describe as limited visibility during certain periods.
However, Kihika’s allies maintain that the governor inherited complex structural and financial challenges that required time to stabilize before major development initiatives could be rolled out.
They argue that her administration has since accelerated infrastructure projects, vocational training initiatives, and youth empowerment programs across several wards.
In recent months, the governor has intensified grassroots tours across areas such as Rhonda and other urban and peri-urban neighborhoods.
In recent months, the governor has intensified grassroots tours across areas such as Rhonda and other urban and peri-urban neighborhoods.
During these visits, she has emphasized unity across Nakuru’s diverse communities, framing her leadership as one focused on inclusivity and long-term transformation rather than short-term optics.
Politically, Kihika appears to have strengthened her footing within UDA ranks. By mid-2025, a majority of Nakuru’s Members of Parliament had publicly expressed support for her second-term bid, easing earlier speculation about internal party friction.
Politically, Kihika appears to have strengthened her footing within UDA ranks. By mid-2025, a majority of Nakuru’s Members of Parliament had publicly expressed support for her second-term bid, easing earlier speculation about internal party friction.
This consolidation has complicated the plans of potential challengers hoping to capitalize on dissatisfaction within the electorate.
Nevertheless, Nakuru’s political terrain remains fluid. The county has historically been a battleground shaped by shifting alliances and national political undercurrents.
Nevertheless, Nakuru’s political terrain remains fluid. The county has historically been a battleground shaped by shifting alliances and national political undercurrents.
Possible alignments involving UDA, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and emerging political formations could significantly influence the race.
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