CS Lee Kinyanjui Explains Silence on Nakuru County Politics

Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has addressed a growing question over his silence on political affairs in his home county of Nakuru County. At a service at ACK Cathedral in Nakuru on 5 October 2025, the former county governor said his current national role demands that he prioritise Kenya’s broader interests—even as he reassures residents that Nakuru remains close to his heart. He pledged to assist the county when issues arise, despite keeping a lower public profile on local politics.
Kinyanjui noted that the shift from governing a county to serving in the national Cabinet came at a pivotal time for Kenya’s trade and industrial agenda. He argued that remaining in constant commentary on local issues would undermine his capacity to serve the national interest. My eyes are wide open. Anything affecting Kenya and Nakuru, I will be there, and I guarantee you I will help find solutions, he stated. He also criticised what he described as tribal politics in the county, emphasising that political contests should not come at the expense of unity or the people’s welfare.
The reaction to his remarks has been mixed. Some residents welcomed his commitment to support Nakuru from his national platform, while others expressed concern that his absence from local debates could leave an accountability void—particularly given ongoing tensions between Governor Susan Kihika and Senator Tabitha Karanja over service delivery. Analysts suggest his stance reflects the complex balance former county leaders face when moving into national roles and the risk of being perceived as distant from their base.
Looking ahead, Kinyanjui’s challenge will be to translate his assurance into concrete benefits for Nakuru County without reverting to full-scale local intervention. Will he leverage his ministerial portfolio to channel investment and trade opportunities into Nakuru? Or will his hands-off approach allow local governance tensions to widen? The coming months will reveal whether this recalibrated role will strengthen his influence in the county or leave a gap that other actors are ready to fill.