Residents of Nakuru have given the County Assembly a fourteen-day ultimatum to clarify who is currently in charge of the devolved government, raising concerns over Governor Susan Kihika’s prolonged absence.
In a petition presented to the assembly, the residents questioned why the governor has not been actively seen managing county affairs, arguing that her maternity leave should have ended by now.
Evans Kimori, one of the petitioners, urged Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to summon Governor Kihika or her representatives to explain her whereabouts. He noted that her absence had created confusion in county leadership, leading to reported tensions between County Secretary Samuel Mwaura and Deputy Governor David Kones.
Kimori pointed out that Kihika was last seen in public on November 18, 2024, during a vocational training centre graduation ceremony. Since then, Kones has taken charge of several key county activities, including the distribution of medical supplies on December 20, 2024.
The petitioners also raised concerns over her failure to deliver the customary New Year’s address, instead opting for a brief social media message, which they deemed insufficient.
“The county is facing significant challenges. Who is making key decisions? Who is running Nakuru?” Kimori questioned.
They further highlighted the governor’s absence from major county events, such as Egerton University’s tree-planting exercise and the launch of seven school buses attended by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on May 19, 2024.
Citing the County Government Act of 2012, the petitioners insisted that the Nakuru County Assembly must disclose the governor’s whereabouts. They urged MCAs to summon her to explain why she has been absent for an extended period.
Additionally, they accused the county government of neglecting pressing social and security issues, including the disappearance of Brian Odhiambo, a local fisherman, suspected to be a victim of extrajudicial killings. Another concern raised was the case of Mercy Chepngeno, whose body went missing from Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary. Her family suspects a body mix-up and believes she could still be alive.
The petitioners also called for transparency regarding the governor’s foreign trips, questioning their benefits to Nakuru residents.
“The people of Nakuru elected the governor to lead and address their concerns. Her prolonged absence and silence have created uncertainty and frustration,” the petition read.
Responding to the concerns, County Chief of Staff Peter Ketyenya stated on February 17, 2025, that Governor Kihika was still on maternity leave and was expected to return to office in a few weeks.
Nakuru East MP Samuel Arama, however, dismissed the concerns, cautioning against politicizing the matter. He defended Kihika’s right to take maternity leave and travel abroad if she wished.
“It is her personal decision where she wants to have her baby. If you have an issue that the governor’s office is not addressing, come to me or Nakuru East MP David Gikaria, and we will assist you,” Arama said during a meeting in Shabaab.
