A Nakuru County activist has petitioned U.S. authorities to facilitate the return of Governor Susan Kihika, who has been absent from office for nearly five months.
Engineer Evans Kimori, in a letter addressed to U.S. President Donald Trump through the U.S. Embassy in Kenya, called for Kihika’s deportation, arguing that her extended stay in the United States has created a leadership vacuum in Nakuru County.
“I respectfully request your intervention in facilitating (deporting) her return to Kenya so she can resume her duties. The people of Nakuru deserve accountable leadership, and her continued stay in the U.S. undermines the trust and democratic mandate placed in her by the electorate,” the letter reads.
Kimori, who also sent the letter to President William Ruto, pointed out that Kihika has exceeded the legally permitted 90-day maternity leave under Kenyan law.
“While maternity leave is recognized under Kenyan law for up to 90 days, she has been absent for nearly five months, creating a leadership vacuum in Nakuru County,” he stated.
The activist also criticized the governor for seeking medical care abroad while Nakuru residents struggle with healthcare access, particularly after her administration ordered the closure of War Memorial Hospital.
“As an elected governor, she has a constitutional duty to ensure that public services, including healthcare, remain accessible to the people. However, her prolonged absence while critical services in Nakuru deteriorate amounts to neglect of her responsibilities, despite receiving substantial salaries,” Kimori said.
Last week, Kimori and over 2,000 Nakuru residents submitted a petition to the Nakuru County Assembly, demanding clarity on Kihika’s absence, governance in her absence, and the frequency of her trips abroad. The assembly has until March 31, 2025, to respond.
Women Leaders Defend Governor Kihika
Amid public scrutiny, women leaders have rallied behind Governor Kihika, urging patience and understanding.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda defended Kihika, highlighting the challenges women face in balancing leadership and family responsibilities.
“As women leaders of Kenya, we stand in solidarity with Governor Susan Kihika and congratulate her on the birth of her baby. We are aware of petitions filed in government institutions regarding her extended absence from office,” Mutinda stated.
She further emphasized the difficulties of motherhood, stating, “The journey to motherhood is difficult; it brings post-medical issues. Her absence has been caused by unforeseen circumstances. The nation should be patient and exercise empathy.”
Kisii Woman Representative Donya Dorice also responded to the activist’s letter, questioning the necessity of seeking U.S. intervention.
“Why even write to the US to deport the governor?” she asked.
Nominated Senator Veronica Maina echoed similar sentiments, adding, “A woman is condemned if she has no child, so why should she be condemned again when she becomes a mother? We encourage Kihika to be bold, and we stand together to ask for our rights.”
