The first Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua has had ups and down in his political career.

He rose from the highest levels of Kenya's administration to become the first Governor of Nakuru-a position he served from 2013 to 2017 when he was ousted by Lee Kinyanjui.

It was not easy for him to accept the defeat by Kinyanjui. Kinuthia filed a petition in court to challenge the same.

Read: Alarm as various political parties close their offices in Nakuru

It took the intervention of former President Uhuru Kenyatta in a lengthy meeting at Nakuru Statehouse, to convince him to step down.

This move saw Kinuthia land a job at Statehouse Nairobi as the comptroller, during President Kenyatta's second term in office.

As a Governor, he was both a manager and an administrator having served as an Administration Police (AP) commander.

Kinuthia was criticized when he decided to take hawkers out of Nakuru city centre.

Also Read: County politics threatens Kihika, Tabitha 'sisterhood'

Many residents felt the move was uncalled for and that he was acting as an AP commandant and not a governor.

At one particular point he was humiliated at the Famous KANU House Round about during President Uhuru Kenyatta's visit in Nakuru.

In what seemed like biting a humble pie, during Kinyanjui’s swearing in ceremony, Kinuthia and his Deputy Joseph Ruto told the incoming government, "Do not repeat the mistakes we did, we were just laying the foundation."

However, having been out of politics for roughly six years, the former AP commandant seems to be warming up for a comeback in 2027 politics.

On Tuesday, during the burial of Njoro MP Charity Kathambi's husband, Kinuthia was among dignitaries attending the burial in Njoro.

When he was given the opportunity to address the mourners, he did not mince his words recalling how he met MP Kathambi when he was a junior officer.

Read: Here are the people who gave Nakuru the political influence she enjoys

But what touched many is when he made a humble request to President William Ruto who also graced the event, asking him to ensure he looks into the many challenges of the people of Mauche, Njoro and Nakuru as a whole.

Kinuthia Mbugua (second right) and other dignitaries during the burial of Njoro MP Charity Kathambi's husband.

Photo credit: COURTESY

"Your Excellency, these people of Mauche have made requests to you touching on roads, water and issues of security...Kindly assist them," said Kinuthia amidst applause.

Kinuthia who hails from Tayari village of Molo sub county seems to be making calculations of venturing back into Nakuru politics.

Nakuru political analyst Ezekiel Kamau opines that Nakuru has had a history of electing a governor for one term. He points out that if Kinuthia makes a comeback, then it will be a game changer.

"Since devolution, Nakuru people have never elected a governor for two terms. However, if Kinuthia decides to come back, he might surprise many by clinching the seat, though for now, it is too early to tell how the election could go," he says.

pmambili@gmail.com

Related: Where is Lee Kinyanjui?

Is Kinuthia warming up for a second round?

Author Spotlight

Pristone Mambili