If Nakuru's politics were a long-running TV show, Nakuru Town East and Nakuru Town West would be the twin episodes that keep viewers hooked, not because of any plot twists, but because the cast never changes.

Back in 2010, the political masterminds in Nairobi decided that Nakuru Town Constituency had become too large for a single politician to manage alone. So, much like a matatu driver tired of squeezing in extra passengers, they neatly split it into two: East and West.

Since then, David Gikaria has held the East seat and Samuel Arama the West seat. Both are political survivors who have seen parties rise, fall, merge and rebrand while maintaining their grip on power.

Mr Gikaria, the long-serving MP whose name has become synonymous with Nakuru Town East, has been around long enough to remember Jubilee as a party rather than a memory. When UDA arrived with its yellow wave in 2022, he read the political weather report, bought an umbrella in the right colour and once again retained his seat, a classic case of 'if you can't beat them, join them'.

Now, the word on the street is that he wants an even bigger chair, the Senate one. This would mean that, for the first time since the two constituencies were formed, the seat in Nakuru Town East would be up for grabs.

Like moths to a political flame, aspiring candidates are already emerging from the woodwork, all promising to 'bring change', that elusive political promise rarely delivered.

Across the railway line in Nakuru Town West, his counterpart Mr Samuel Arama is not about to give up. Having survived three election cycles, one yellow tsunami and countless political prophecies of his downfall, he insists he’s not done yet. 'Fourth term loading' could well be printed on T-shirts in his camp.

In 2022, he stunned everyone by defeating the mighty UDA candidate while running with a Jubilee party ticket. Not bad for a man whose campaign slogan could easily have been “Still here”.

But change is in the air, or so everyone says. Recently, three prospective MPs, Robinas Makana, Dr Gikenyi Magare and Hezron Okiki, held a press conference to condemn hooliganism and insecurity. Curiously, each of them introduced themselves as 'the incoming MP'. Nakuru West voters may soon need a scorecard to keep track of all the MPs-elect who never quite arrive.

Adding flavour to the race is Josephine Achieng, the former Nakuru County Executive for Sports, who has declared her intention to become Nakuru Town West's first female MP. Her message is clear: 'If the men won't change things, maybe it's time a woman tried.'

Meanwhile, Arama's supporters are not losing sleep. One diehard supporter was recently heard saying, 'Ule atatoa Arama kwa kiti bado hajazaliwa.'

With the 2027 general election approaching, the script is writing itself. In Nakuru Town East, the king is seeking an upgrade to his throne. In the west, the incumbent refuses to step down. The contenders are sharpening their slogans and designing their posters, while the voters are waiting for the campaign T-shirts.

It seems that Nakuru is once again ready for its favourite pastime: politics as entertainment.

Arama, Gikaria and the young turks looking to end their reign in Nakuru Town East and West

Author Spotlight

Bret Sanya