Nakuru resident seeks to collect signatures to suspend Nakuru County Government
The move comes just 14 days after Kimori petitioned the Nakuru County Assembly to explain the governor’s whereabouts and separately addressed a letter to former US President Donald Trump, requesting the deportation of Governor Kihika on the grounds of her continued absence from office.
A Nakuru resident has petitioned the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to clarify the legal requirements for initiating the suspension of the county government, citing a leadership vacuum triggered by Governor Susan Kihika’s prolonged absence.
In a letter addressed to the IEBC’s Nakuru county office, Evans Kimori requested details on the number of registered voters in the county and the threshold of signatures required to begin the process of suspending the devolved unit in accordance with Article 192 of the Constitution.
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“The County Government of Nakuru is currently in a state of disarray,” Kimori said, arguing that Governor Kihika’s absence has led to instability.
He also cited a spate of abductions allegedly carried out by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers as part of the unrest he believes warrants the county’s suspension.
The move comes just 14 days after Kimori petitioned the Nakuru County Assembly to explain the governor’s whereabouts and separately addressed a letter to former US President Donald Trump, requesting the deportation of Governor Kihika on the grounds of her continued absence from office.
In response to growing concerns, a group of women leaders stepped forward to defend the governor, explaining that she was on maternity leave in the United States after giving birth to twins.
“Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed an unfair, unnecessary, and deeply disappointing attack on Governor Kihika simply because she exercised her right to maternity leave,” the MPs said in a joint statement.
“Let us be clear: Governor Kihika is not just a leader; she is also a woman, a mother, and a Kenyan who deserves the same rights and dignity as any other working professional.”
Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda also condemned the backlash, questioning whether a male governor would face similar criticism for taking medical leave.
“Let us also ask: Would a male governor be attacked for taking medical leave? Would we be standing here today if it were a male leader who had taken time off for health reasons? The double standards being applied to women leaders in this country must stop,” she said.
The MPs dismissed claims that Kihika’s absence had crippled county operations, saying her deputy has been in charge as required by law.
They further vowed to protect the rights of women in leadership who are targeted with political attacks over personal and family decisions.
“This is not just about Kihika. This is about every woman in Kenya who aspires to leadership. We cannot afford to send a message that women must choose between leadership and family—that to be in power, a woman must stop being a mother, a wife, or a daughter,” they said.
Governor Kihika was last seen in public on November 18, 2024, during a graduation ceremony for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students in the county.
Article 192 of the Constitution provides that the President may suspend a county government in the event of an emergency arising out of internal conflict or war.
However, such action cannot be taken unless an independent commission of inquiry has investigated the allegations and the President is satisfied that the findings justify suspension. The Senate then has the authority to either uphold or terminate the suspension.
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