Nakuru County is at the center of an unusual political drama as an activist has taken a bold step in seeking the deportation of Governor Susan Kihika from the United States.
In a letter seen by Mkarimu Media, Engineer Evans Kimori has petitioned U.S. President Donald Trump through the U.S. Embassy in Kenya, requesting the governor’s forced return to Kenya to resume her leadership duties.
Titled Request for the Deportation of Governor Susan Kihika to Resume Leadership Duties in Nakuru County, Kenya, the letter expresses deep concern over the governor’s prolonged stay in the U.S. while Nakuru residents face deteriorating public services.
“On behalf of Nakuru residents, I respectfully request your intervention in facilitating her return so she can resume her duties. The people of Nakuru deserve accountable leadership, and her continued stay abroad undermines the trust and democratic mandate placed on her,” reads part of the letter.
Kimori, who also copied the letter to President William Ruto, pointed out that Governor Kihika has exceeded the legally recognized maternity leave period of 90 days, having now been absent for nearly five months.
He further criticized the governor’s decision to seek medical services abroad, highlighting the irony of her administration’s closure of War Memorial Hospital, a facility that had served Nakuru residents for decades.
“The closure of War Memorial Hospital, despite multiple court orders mandating its reopening, has left thousands of residents—particularly mothers, children, and patients with chronic illnesses—without access to critical healthcare services,” Kimori stated. “While she enjoys advanced medical care in the U.S., Nakuru residents continue to suffer under a collapsed health system.”
The activist accused Governor Kihika of neglecting her constitutional duty, citing that her absence has created a leadership vacuum in Nakuru County while she continues to receive her salary.
The governor has faced mounting public pressure, with over 2,000 Nakuru residents signing a petition demanding transparency about her absence, details on who is running county affairs in her stead, and accountability for her frequent foreign trips. The Nakuru County Assembly has been given 14 days from March 17, 2025, to respond to these concerns.
Governor Kihika, who only recently addressed the public on January 17, 2025, regarding her maternity leave, has been updating residents about county projects via social media. However, critics argue that digital updates cannot replace physical leadership on the ground.
Meanwhile, a section of women leaders has rallied behind Kihika, condemning the calls for her deportation as discriminatory. Speaking at a press briefing, Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda defended the governor, urging Kenyans to be patient and recognize the challenges women in leadership face while balancing family responsibilities.
“As women leaders, we stand in solidarity with Governor Kihika and congratulate her on the birth of her baby. Motherhood comes with unforeseen medical challenges, and the nation should exercise empathy,” Mutinda stated.
The debate surrounding Governor Kihika’s absence continues to spark mixed reactions, with some defending her right to maternal care while others insist that Nakuru residents deserve hands-on leadership. All eyes are now on the Nakuru County Assembly to see how they will respond to the growing concerns over governance in the devolved unit.
