Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has dismissed renewed criticism following the circulation of an old video that appeared to show her commissioning a non-functional water tap.
The clip, which resurfaced online this week, sparked a wave of backlash, with critics accusing her administration of staging cosmetic launches. However, Governor Kihika brushed off the claims as recycled propaganda, insisting the tap was functional at the time but that she initially struggled to operate it.
“What is this foolery mko nayo ati launching a dry tap? Propaganda ya two years ago – mumeamsha tena? Hamchoki?” Kihika wrote on her X account, calling the uproar a distraction.
The video has reignited online debate around the credibility of county projects, a recurring issue in Kenyan politics. While her detractors accuse counties of prioritizing publicity over impact, Kihika’s supporters have defended her, labeling the backlash politically motivated.
Wider Context: County Accountability Under Scrutiny
The controversy comes against the backdrop of fresh concerns over governance in devolved units. Auditor General Nancy Gathungu’s latest report flagged more than 20 counties for questionable spending, citing mismanagement, resource wastage, ghost projects, and poor documentation of public funds.
The report warned that such practices undermine development and compromise service delivery, noting that repeated failures to enforce accountability measures have allowed officers to evade responsibility.
Despite the criticism, Governor Kihika maintains that Nakuru’s record on resource allocation and service delivery stands strong. Her stance has also been echoed by Council of Governors chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi, who has defended county chiefs against what he described as politically charged attacks.
The Bigger Picture
The “dry tap” debate underscores a larger national concern: whether counties are delivering genuine, sustainable projects or simply staging optics for political gain. As public scrutiny intensifies and audit reports highlight systemic weaknesses, pressure continues to mount on county governments to prove that devolution is yielding tangible value for taxpayers.
