Governor Kihika Fires Speechwriter Publicly Over Wamunyoro Name Mix-Up During Madaraka Day Speech
Nakuru, Kenya — June 2, 2025 – A light-hearted moment during Nakuru’s Madaraka Day celebrations quickly turned serious after Governor Susan Kihika abruptly announced the firing of her speechwriter during a live public address, following an embarrassing verbal slip that touched on a politically sensitive location.
While outlining development projects underway in the county, Governor Kihika inadvertently referred to the Wanyororo Vocational Training Centre in Kabatini as “Wamunyoro” — a term now synonymous with the private residence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Nyeri County. The gaffe drew laughter from the crowd, but the governor wasted no time in clarifying and taking action.
“Construction of two lecture rooms at Wamunyoro – no, sorry, Wanyororo – vocational centre in Kabatini. And by the way, my writer of this speech is fired,” Kihika said to the amusement and surprise of the gathered audience.
The incident instantly became a trending topic on social media and news platforms, drawing mixed reactions from the public and political commentators alike.
While the moment initially came off as humorous, it soon underscored the simmering tensions between Governor Kihika and former Deputy President Gachagua. The two have had a strained political relationship, with Kihika being a vocal critic of Gachagua’s rhetoric and leadership style.
Just last month, Kihika lashed out at Gachagua for what she termed as “extremely reckless” remarks. The former deputy president had warned of potential post-election violence if the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) did not manage the upcoming elections properly. Kihika, referencing the horrors of the 2007–2008 post-election violence, condemned the statements as inciteful and irresponsible.
“Coming from a region that bore the brunt of the chaos, I find it unacceptable. Gachagua must stop imagining his political battles are national emergencies,” she said in a press conference in May. “There comes a time when a country is bigger than an individual. Gachagua, that time is now. We will not bleed again — not for any politician.”
Her criticism was echoed by Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi, who urged fellow politicians to tone down inflammatory rhetoric and avoid inciting the public ahead of the next general elections.
The public firing of the speechwriter sparked debate over professionalism, accountability, and leadership style. While some applauded Kihika’s decisiveness and wit, others questioned whether the dismissal was too harsh for what appeared to be a minor error.
“This could have been handled more gracefully and privately. It sends a message, yes, but at what cost to staff morale?” commented a political analyst on local television.
Still, Governor Kihika stood by her actions and reaffirmed her loyalty to President William Ruto, emphasizing that she remained steadfastly aligned with his leadership. “Don’t worry. I will always be at Ruto’s side,” she told the cheering crowd.
The incident not only highlights the continued fragmentation within Kenya’s political elite but also reflects the pressures and scrutiny public figures face in an election season. With political alliances shifting rapidly and public trust a major concern, leaders are under pressure to maintain a composed and professional image.
The identity of the dismissed speechwriter has not been officially released, and there is no confirmation yet on who will take over the role. Meanwhile, political observers believe the episode could widen the rift between Kihika and Gachagua’s supporters within the broader Kenya Kwanza alliance.
As the nation prepares for another election cycle, the spotlight on leaders like Governor Kihika will only intensify, and every word spoken — or misspoken — is likely to carry weight well beyond the podium.
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Governor Kihika Fires Speechwriter Publicly Over Wamunyoro Name Mix-Up During Madaraka Day Speech