Nakuru Resident Seeks Deportation of Governor Susan Kihika for Extended Absence

• March 27, 2025
• Ethan Carrington
• 0 Comments

A peculiar diplomatic plea has emerged from Nakuru, where a resident, Evans Kimori, has taken the bold step of petitioning U.S. President Donald Trump to deport Nakuru's Governor Susan Kihika. What's sparking this unconventional appeal? It's Kihika's prolonged stay in the U.S. that has now stretched to nearly five months, leaving many in Nakuru frustrated and concerned.

Controversy Over Prolonged Maternity Leave

According to Kimori, Kihika’s absence is a breach of Kenyan regulations, which grant a maximum of 90 days for maternity leave. He argues that this extended leave has resulted in the neglect of essential services, most notably the closure of War Memorial Hospital. This shutdown has deprived thousands of the healthcare they desperately need, aggravating the already strained health system in the region.

Kimori’s letter, which was also sent to Kenyan President William Ruto, claims that her continued absence despite receiving a salary is a violation of her constitutional duties. Although her social media feeds are active, showcasing several infrastructure initiatives such as roads and water projects through the FLLoCA climate effort, these updates do little to address the core of the issue: her absence.

Defense and Debate: The Leadership and Motherhood Dilemma

Governor Kihika's absence isn't only a local matter; it's sparked a broader discourse on the challenges faced by women in leadership, particularly those balancing motherhood. Prominent figures like Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda and Kisii Woman Representative Donya Dorice have come to Kihika's defense. They argue that scrutinizing Kihika so harshly underscores a lack of empathy toward female leaders who juggle numerous responsibilities.

Mutinda highlighted the demanding nature of motherhood and called for understanding, while Dorice questioned the fairness of singling out Kihika when many male leaders receive leniency under similar circumstances. The topic echoes louder with a county assembly petition backed by over 2,000 signatures demanding action and accountability.

While these debates over absentee governance and gender dynamics swirl, the main players in this unfolding drama, Trump and Ruto, have yet to offer any official response. Meanwhile, Kihika’s administration continues to push forward with development projects, albeit remotely, leaving the Nakuru community waiting, watching, and wondering about their governor's next move.