Sam Mburu, the husband of Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, has taken to social media to celebrate their daughter, Abby Wanjiru, as she marked her 19th birthday, sharing never-before-seen family photos.
In the candid images posted on Facebook, the businessman is seen alongside Governor Kihika, their daughter and son, offering a rare glimpse into the private life of Nakuru County’s first family.
“Happy 19th Birthday to you, Abby Wanjiru Mburu. Dad loves you so much, my dear,” Mburu captioned the post.
One of the photos shows a much younger President William Ruto holding Abby, a detail that quickly caught the attention of social media users.
The images sparked comments online, with many joining in to wish her a happy birthday.
“Watching you grow into this kind, strong and brilliant young lady has been the greatest joy. I’m so incredibly proud of the person you are and can’t wait to see the wonderful things you’ll do,” Shiku Njuguna commented on Facebook.
Another user asked, “Where is the First Lady of Nakuru County? Anyway, happy birthday to Abby.”
Mburu, who keeps a relatively low profile despite his proximity to power, is widely known for his business interests and political connections.
Nicknamed ‘Kiongozi’, he is said to have first met President Ruto in 2007, when the Head of State was serving as ODM MP for Eldoret North.
He later played a role in campaigns for Ruto’s United Republican Party in 2012, which eventually merged with former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s The National Alliance (TNA). It was during this period that he met Kihika, whom he married in a traditional-themed wedding in 2020.
So close is Mburu to the centre of power that President Ruto is said to have been directly involved in his dowry negotiations.
He is also credited with running key political machinery behind Kihika’s successful senatorial and gubernatorial campaigns in 2017 and 2022 respectively.
In 2025, nominated MCA Hassan Duale, a member of UDA’s top organ, publicly warned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua against crossing Mburu, describing him as a “live wire”.
At the time, Gachagua had accused Mburu of quietly commandeering Nakuru County’s security apparatus, claims that were also dismissed by allies.
Defending him, Duale said Mburu was a respected philanthropist who had supported numerous community initiatives and youth empowerment programmes.
“I want to warn you on behalf of the young people of Nakuru. You have touched a live wire. That person is known here as a philanthropist who has helped many communities and empowered youth through his charity programmes,” Duale said.