When he lost his bid to retain the Nakuru governor position in the 2022 elections, 52-year-old Lee Maiyani Kinyanjui showed a side of himself that was largely unknown: A riddle lover who used folk tales and proverbs to deliver scathing criticism of President William Ruto's administration.
Now, the man of riddles and the man of "Jibu ni Lee" (Lee is the answer) fame has been tasked with implementing President Ruto's vision in the Investment, Trade and Industry portfolio as Cabinet Secretary.
The former assistant minister for Transport has a knack for surviving situations, especially failures, and was Nakuru Town MP between 2008 and 2013. He unsuccessfully contested the Nakuru governor seat, losing to Kinuthia Mbugua. He took a second bite at the cherry in 2017, defeating Mr Mbugua.
After his defeat, he adopted the riddles, and many of his social media followers had trouble interpreting his messages, which were heavily tilted towards the political situation as the Ruto administration struggled to put its house in order in its first two years.
But this came as no surprise to those who knew him, as he studied literature at Kenyatta University before going on to do a Master’s in Business Administration at the University of Nairobi.
Since the 2022 election, Mr Kinyanjui has been tactfully building political clout among the masses, as if paving the way for a bigger political seat or even a comeback as governor of Nakuru in the 2027 elections.
Echoing his rallying cry of "Jibu ni Lee" (Lee is the answer), he has used criticism to scrutinise the administration of President Ruto and his successor in Nakuru, Governor Kihika.
He has also condemned the brutality meted out to young protesters, mostly from the Gen Z generation, during recent protests demanding the resignation of the Ruto regime over increased taxes, poor service delivery and bad governance.
But while he was tough on the government, he also called on Kenyans to honour their obligations by paying taxes. "We must pay what Caesar demands."
When the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a scathing statement criticising the Ruto administration, Mr Kinyanjui wrote: “A lot has been said about the statement from the Catholic Bishops. It was bold and factual and devoid of partisan intonation.”
He added: “Inevitably, the silence by the people of goodwill becomes a necessary catalyst for evil to thrive. If the constitutional oversight institutions continue in their declared slumber, alternative voices will emerge from all sectors. It is a cruel joke to slap a man who draws your attention to your open zipper.”
But if his social media postings are any guide, Mr Kinyanjui knew how to handle his political enemies.
On the appointment of Prof Kithure Kindiki as deputy president in October, Mr Kinyanjui said that while his appointment was controversial and unconventional, “integrity, sobriety and humility remain priceless virtues in leadership.”
For the man from Nakuru, it may be time to edit or retain his posts as he moves towards a broad-based government – and in the interest of broadening views in the Executive.
Mr Kinyanjui is perhaps one of former President Uhuru Kenyatta's most trusted foot soldiers in the Rift Valley region and his appointment immediately drew mixed reactions from his political supporters in Nakuru County.
Mr Kinyanjui was widely seen as a good county leader during his tenure as he initiated many development projects.
“Lee Kinyanjui should decline that appointment because it looks like a trap,” said James Omondi, a political analyst in Nakuru City.
But Mr Joshua Terer, a resident of Kuresoi South, was quick to point out that Mr Kinyanjui's appointment will not limit his ambitions to reclaim the Nakuru governorship.
“The rematch in the Nakuru County gubernatorial race between former Governor Lee Kinyanjui and incumbent Susan Kihika is still on because the ground is shifting due to unmet promises,” said Mr Terer.
Mr Kinyanjui recently gave the latest indication that he is still eyeing the seat he lost to Ms Kihika when he told residents of Kuresoi South that he was wrong to support Mr Raila Odinga in 2022.
“I came here with Mr Odinga who you didn’t want at that time, but recently I have seen you have embraced him through the broad-based government. Do I have a problem with you now?” said Mr Kinyanjui, to which the jubilant crowd responded with a resounding “No!”
His successor, Ms Kihika, welcomed Mr Kinyanjui's nomination and, as if reading the mood on the ground, she congratulated him.
“I’m confident that you will utilise your networks and expertise to champion growth and investment in our nation. Wishing you every success as you take on this transformative role in service to our great country. This is indeed a proud moment for Nakuru County.”
Ms Kihika has struck a conciliatory tone in the recent past and her latest statement about her predecessor is a follow up to his recent statement in Kuresoi South when she said: "Politics is not about enmity. Kinyanjui and I are good friends.
She is on record acknowledging the good development work done by Mr Kinyanjui during his tenure, while criticising him for the slow pace of some of the mega projects in the county such as the Keringet High Altitude Stadium.
With the 2027 General Election fast approaching, Mr Kinyanjui's nomination could be the starting point for a new political realignment in Nakuru County.
