Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has escalated a brewing political dispute, demanding a public apology from Senator Tabitha Karanja within seven days or face a defamation lawsuit.
The controversy results from remarks allegedly made by Senator Karanja during a church service on December 21, 2025, which Governor Kihika’s legal team describes as “false, malicious and gravely disparaging.”
The demand letter, issued by Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi, states that Senator Karanja publicly accused Governor Kihika of misappropriating multi-billion-shilling county funds to construct a family-owned hotel.
Furthermore, the senator allegedly claimed the hotel was built on Kenya Railways land, was located near sensitive public facilities, and posed national security concerns due to its proximity to State House in Nakuru.
Governor Kihika’s lawyers vehemently deny these allegations, stating, “Our client has never misappropriated public funds and has never engaged in any fraudulent business.”
They emphasize that no county resources have been used in any private or family enterprise linked to the governor.
The legal team argues that making such public accusations of corruption without evidence, especially by an elected leader, undermines due process and public trust, crossing the line from legitimate political discourse to unlawful defamation.
The demand letter calls for an immediate and unconditional retraction of the statements, a public admission of liability, and a formal apology to be issued with the same prominence as the original remarks.
It also warns Senator Karanja against repeating or endorsing similar allegations.
Failure to comply within the stipulated seven days will lead to legal action, including civil proceedings for defamation seeking general, aggravated, and exemplary damages, as well as injunctive relief.
This incident adds to a history of political friction involving prominent Nakuru figures. Notably, Senator Tabitha Karanja was present at a 2022 event in Njoro, Nakuru County, where then-Deputy President William Ruto controversially ejected media from a meeting with minority communities affected by post-election violence, citing concerns about biased reporting.
Governor Susan Kihika, then a senatorial aspirant, was also in attendance at that event, highlighting the interconnectedness of political figures in the region.
As of the time of publication, Senator Karanja has not publicly responded to Governor Kihika’s demand.
