Susan Kihika Accidentally Mentions Wamunyoro, Crowd Goes Wild: "Mimi Ni Wa Ruto"

• Nakuru governor Susan Kihika caused a stir during Madaraka Day celebrations after mistakenly mentioning Wamunyoro instead of Wanyororo in her official address
• Wamunyoro, the rural residence of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, gained political significance following his fallout with President William Ruto and subsequent impeachment
• The governor quickly corrected herself and reaffirmed her allegiance to Ruto and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), vowing to fire her speechwriter
• Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, political analyst Alfred Makotsi said such verbal slips often spark speculation in Kenya’s tense politics

TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

A slip of the tongue sent the Madaraka Day crowd into laughter and political speculation, all sparked by one name.

During her official speech on Sunday, June 1, Nakuru governor Susan Kihika mistakenly referred to “Wamunyoro” instead of “Wanyororo,” a mix-up that immediately drew attention given the political undertones.

The event took place during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations held in Nakuru County, where Kihika was listing development projects in the area.

However, it was the mention of "Wamunyoro", the rural home of impeached former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, that caught many by surprise.

“Construction of two lecture rooms at Wamunyoro, sorry, Wanyororo Vocational Training Centre, including fencing,” Kihika said, triggering wild reactions from the crowd.

Wamunyoro, located in Nyeri County, has recently emerged as a symbolic centre of political activity, especially after Gachagua’s dramatic fallout with President William Ruto.

Since then, the former deputy president has used his Wamunyoro home to host delegations, media interviews and issue public statements, often critical of the current administration.

The governor, seemingly aware of the implications of her verbal slip, was quick to distance herself from any perceived allegiance shift.

She reassured the audience of her loyalty to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

“No, I am on Ruto’s side, every day,” she declared, amid loud cheers from the crowd. “And, by the way, my speechwriter is fired!” she added.

It’s not the first time a high-ranking official associated with President William Ruto has let their tongue slip in public

Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, political analyst and governance expert Alfred Makotsi said these verbal slips, though often innocent, tend to stir speculation due to Kenya’s high-stakes political environment.

“In Kenya, politics is intensely symbolic. A slip of the tongue, especially one that involves a controversial figure or place like Wamunyoro, easily becomes fodder for speculation. Whether or not Kihika meant it, it raises questions about her loyalties and the inner dynamics within UDA,” Makotsi explained.

According to him, even a minor misstatement can reignite political debates or deepen perceived rifts in ruling coalitions, especially in the aftermath of high-profile political fallouts like that of Rigathi Gachagua and President Ruto.

Did Farouk Kibet say they worship the devil in church?

In a previous article by TUKO.co.ke, Ruto’s longtime aide, Farouk Kibet, made a verbal slip that momentarily stunned a packed congregation in Nandi county and quickly went viral across social media platforms.

While delivering a message of gratitude and spiritual encouragement during a church service, Farouk inadvertently said, "We worship the devil in the church," while attempting to emphasise the need for Christians to stand firm against evil forces.

The unexpected statement left many attendees visibly shocked, particularly given the deeply religious setting in which it occurred.

Farouk, however, promptly realised the mistake and corrected himself, clarifying that the true message was about worshipping God and resisting Satan.

The incident, which was captured on camera, triggered widespread reactions from Kenyans online, ranging from humorous memes to critical commentary.

Despite the awkward moment, Farouk recovered and successfully redirected his message, urging believers to remain vigilant in faith and united against evil influences in society.

Meru governor's slip of the tongue causes laughter

In other news, Meru governor Isaac Mutuma mistakenly referred to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as "deputy governor", cracking up a huge crowd that had turned up for a public function graced by the second in command.

Mutuma and Kindiki were on a development tour in the county. They traversed different areas to inspect ongoing government projects and made several stopovers to address the locals.

Speaking shortly after inspecting construction works at Kamachage market, Mutuma psyched up the crowd with exhilarating greetings before his tongue slipped in a spur-of-the-moment, leaving him shyly perturbed and awkwardly flustered.

He had done well in exciting the public, literally taking everything to the climax, but when the crucial moment to honour the man of the moment came, he dropped the ball, and everything crumbled into shards of laughter.

Kindiki, who was waiting to pick up the microphone from the governor, was seen giggling uncontrollably atop his car.

Mutuma served as Kawira Mwangaza's deputy governor until March 17, when he became the governor of Meru county following the impeachment of his boss.

Masolo Mambonga, HOD, Current Affairs and Politics, updated this article with details on Meru governor's slip of the tongue

Source: TUKO.co.ke