Evans Kimori, a concerned Kenyan citizen, has reached out to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging the deportation of Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika. Kimori’s letter highlights serious concerns over Kihika’s extended absence from her county, which he claims is negatively impacting governance and public service delivery.
Elected in August 2022, Governor Kihika has reportedly been seeking maternity and newborn medical care in the United States for nearly five months. While Kenyan law permits maternity leave for up to 90 days, Kimori argues that her prolonged absence has created a significant leadership vacuum in Nakuru County. “Her absence has left residents struggling to access essential medical services, especially following the controversial closure of War Memorial Hospital, a vital healthcare facility serving the community since 1906,” Kimori states.
Despite local court orders mandating the hospital’s reopening, it remains closed, further exacerbating the challenges faced by Nakuru residents, particularly mothers, children, and those with chronic illnesses. Kimori criticizes Kihika for seeking advanced medical treatment abroad while her constituents suffer due to the collapse of local healthcare.
In his appeal to Trump, Kimori emphasized the need for accountable leadership in Nakuru and expressed concern that Kihika’s extended stay in the U.S. undermines the trust placed in her by the electorate. “The people of Nakuru deserve a governor who prioritizes their needs and responsibilities,” he asserted.
Adding to the controversy, Kihika has recently been seen in social media posts shared by Millicent Omanga, a member of the Board of Directors of Kenya Shipyards Limited, raising further questions about her absence from the county.
Kihika is also grappling with legal challenges, including a court ruling that sentenced her to six months in jail for contempt of court related to unlawful waste disposal into Lake Nakuru. This legal battle underscores the mounting pressures on her administration.
On March 20, residents of Nakuru County took action by filing a petition with the county assembly, demanding an immediate investigation into the governor’s whereabouts. They have given the assembly two weeks to provide an explanation for Kihika’s prolonged absence from her duties.
As the situation unfolds, many in Nakuru are left questioning the future of their leadership and essential services.
