Who is in Charge? Nakuru residents question Governor Kihika’s absence
The petitioners also accused the governor of failing to address social and security concerns, including the disappearance of Brian Odhiambo, a fisherman suspected to be a victim of extra-judicial killings.
Residents of Nakuru have given the County Assembly 14 days to clarify who is running the devolved government, citing Governor Susan Kihika’s prolonged absence.
In a petition filed at the assembly, the locals questioned why the governor has not been seen handling county affairs, claiming “her maternity leave should have ended by now.”
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Evans Kimori, one of the petitioners, urged ward representatives to summon Kihika or her representatives to disclose her whereabouts, saying her absence has created a leadership vacuum, leading to disputes between County Secretary Samuel Mwaura and Deputy Governor David Kones.
Kimori stated that Governor Kihika was last seen in public on November 18, 2024, during a graduation ceremony at a vocational training centre.
Since then, Kones has taken over key county functions, including flagging off a consignment of medical supplies on December 20, 2024.
The petitioners also pointed out that the governor did not deliver her usual New Year’s address, instead opting for a brief social media post, which they termed inadequate.
“The county faces serious issues. Who is making critical decisions? Who is running Nakuru?” Kimori asked.
They further questioned her absence from major county functions, including Egerton University’s tree planting event and the launch of seven school buses attended by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on May 19, 2024.
“We are exercising the County Government Act, 2012. Our demands are to the County Assembly of Nakuru. We want full disclosure of the governor’s whereabouts. Ward representatives should summon the governor to explain where she has been,” Kimori stated.
The petitioners also accused the governor of failing to address social and security concerns, including the disappearance of Brian Odhiambo, a fisherman suspected to be a victim of extra-judicial killings.
They also raised alarm over the missing body of Mercy Chepngeno from Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary, with her parents suspecting a body swap and believing she may still be alive.
“The Nakuru County Assembly should provide details of the governor’s foreign trips and how they benefit residents. The people of Nakuru elected the governor to lead, engage, and work for their interests. Her long absence and silence have left the county in uncertainty and frustration,” the petition reads.
Responding to the concerns, County Chief of Staff Peter Ketyenya stated on February 17, 2025, that Kihika was on maternity leave and would resume duty “in a few weeks.”
Nakuru East MP Samuel Arama dismissed the concerns on Wednesday, urging leaders and residents not to politicise the matter.
He defended the governor’s right to take maternity leave and travel abroad.
“It is her decision to choose where she wants to have her baby. Let’s agree, if you have any problem that should be addressed by the governor’s office and you don’t get help, come to me or Nakuru East MP David Gikaria. We will assist you,” he said at a meeting in Shabaab.
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