Governor Susan Kihika’s leadership in Nakuru County is facing serious backlash as residents express frustration over her prolonged absence. Since November 2024, she has not been seen in the county, and her unexplained disappearance has left many questioning who is actually in charge.
The situation has created confusion and instability, leading to a petition from residents demanding answers from the County Assembly.
They want an investigation into her whereabouts and clarity on the county’s leadership, which seems to be in disarray. Initially, Governor Kihika claimed she was on maternity leave in the United States and promised to return within weeks.
However, months have passed, and she has not resumed her duties. The lack of official communication from her office has fueled speculation, with some residents doubting whether she is still interested in governing Nakuru.
Service delivery has reportedly suffered, and the county appears to be operating without clear leadership. The prolonged absence of a governor raises concerns about accountability, as key decisions affecting development and service provision remain in limbo.
The petition, spearheaded by local leaders and activists, has put pressure on the County Assembly to act. They have given a 14-day ultimatum for a response, demanding to know who is running the county in Kihika’s absence.
Reports indicate that a power struggle has emerged between County Secretary Samuel Mwaura and Deputy Governor David Kones.
Both are allegedly claiming authority, creating further confusion and administrative paralysis. The county government’s failure to provide a clear chain of command has left residents frustrated and questioning the legitimacy of those making decisions.
This crisis has sparked widespread debate, with some questioning the authenticity of Kihika’s maternity leave claims. Others argue that even if she is genuinely on leave, she should have officially handed over power to her deputy governor to prevent chaos.
The failure to communicate effectively has only worsened the situation, making residents feel abandoned by their leader. Many are now wondering whether she has lost interest in the county’s affairs or is deliberately staying away to avoid responsibility.
The petition highlights several pressing issues, including security concerns, stalled projects, and unresolved cases that require the governor’s attention. Without a clear leadership structure, residents fear that corruption and mismanagement could thrive unchecked.
The county government’s silence on the matter has only made things worse, leading to suspicions that there may be more to the governor’s absence than meets the eye. As the 14-day deadline approaches, the pressure is mounting on the County Assembly to respond to the residents’ demands.
Many residents are calling for transparency and accountability from their leaders. They argue that a county cannot function properly when its governor is missing for months without explanation. If Kihika is unable to resume her duties, some believe she should step aside and allow the deputy governor to take over officially.
Others are demanding an impeachment process if she fails to provide a satisfactory explanation for her absence. The situation has turned into a governance crisis, exposing the weaknesses in Nakuru County’s administration.
The leadership vacuum in Nakuru is now a growing concern, and the longer the county operates without clear direction, the worse the situation becomes. Residents expect their leaders to be present and responsive, not missing in action for months. If Governor Kihika does not return soon or provide a reasonable explanation, her political future could be in jeopardy. Many voters are beginning to feel betrayed, and patience is running out.
The people of Nakuru are demanding answers, and if the County Assembly fails to act, public outrage may escalate into protests or legal action.
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