Nakuru Speaker Susan Kihika says she is still in the race to capture Senate seat

Nakuru County Assembly Speaker Susan Kihika has dismissed reports that she has bowed out of the race to become the next Nakuru senator.

Ms Kihika declared that she was still in the race for the senatorial seat and trashed talk that she was considering vying for the woman representative’s seat.

“My political train for the Nakuru County Senate race left the station a long time ago and there is no turning back because its first stopover will be at the ballot box on August 8, 2017,” she stated.

Her declaration followed speculation on social media that she had bowed out.

“Those peddling lies and propaganda that I have opted to go for the woman representative’s seat are known perennial political losers in all the elections and should be prepared for a mother of all battles in the senate race,” she stated.

But it will not be a walk in the park for the daughter of former outspoken Nakuru North MP Dixon Kihika Kimani, as she will battle it out with Mr Madaraka Mwithaga, also a son of former Nakuru Town MP Mark Mwithaga.

The current Senator James Mungai has indicated that he will go for the governor’s seat.

YOUNG AND FRESH

Ms Kihika, who has positioned herself as "a young and fresh face" in the Senate race, said the allegations against her were meant to confuse her supporters.

“No matter how hard they try to confuse the voting population, ultimately the people of Nakuru will decide their destiny at the ballot box and not through cheap gutter press,” she stated.

She urged the youth in Nakuru to use the first phase of the voter registration to list as voters instead of waiting for the last-minute rush.

Ms Kihika said it was sad that every time strong women candidates show interest in top political positions in the county, efforts are made to derail their ambitions and efforts.

“It is strange that any time an outspoken woman declares interest in the male-dominated political arena, some male cowards who have never won a single political battle in the county are in the forefront spreading malicious and misleading rumours through cheap gutter press to discourage some of us,” she said.