Nakuru County residents have submitted a petition to the county assembly, calling for an urgent investigation into the prolonged absence of Governor Susan Kihika. The petition, which gathered over 2,000 signatures, was presented on Thursday, granting the assembly a two-week timeframe to uncover the reasons behind the governor’s absence from her duties.
The petitioners are also seeking an audit of all foreign travel undertaken by Nakuru County officials. They have requested a progress report on the investigation into the disappearance of fisherman Brian Odhiambo, who has been missing since January 18.
In a press briefing following the petition submission, residents expressed concerns about what they described as ineffective leadership, pointing to ongoing conflicts between the County Secretary and the Deputy Governor that they believe are obstructing development. “The governor needs to decide whether to manage her law firm in Texas or lead Nakuru. We demand accountability and transparency now, not later,” one resident stated. Another resident complained: “A whole governor who does not have faith in maternity services within the county she is in charge of is not worth leading us. Does it mean she is more important than the other women who go to give birth in Nakuru? Like for real why would a whole governor who is in charge of county health services fly to the US for maternity services instead of having faith in facilities within Nakuru? What kind of nonsense is this?”
This petition comes two months after Governor Susan Kihika issued a statement clarifying her absence, attributing it to maternity leave. In a letter dated January 17 and signed by Nakuru County Chief of Staff Peter Ketyenya, she reassured residents of her well-being, stating, “I am well and currently on maternity leave.”
To address the leadership gap during her absence, Kihika appointed Deputy Governor David Kones to oversee county operations. “I have complete faith in Kones to lead the county effectively during my time away,” she noted, adding that services would continue as planned.
Kihika expressed gratitude for the concern shown by the residents, affirming her commitment to resuming official duties at the end of her leave. “God bless you all,” she concluded.
