Activist calls for Kihika’s deportation from the US over prolonged absence

A Nakuru activist has called for the deportation of Governor Susan Kihika from the United States, citing her prolonged absence from office and a growing leadership crisis in the county.

Evans Kimori, a vocal activist in Nakuru, has petitioned former U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene, arguing that Kihika’s five-month stay in the U.S. has left the county without direction.

He claims the governor, who left for maternity and medical attention, has exceeded the legal leave period and failed to address pressing county matters.

“Governor Kihika was elected to serve the people of Nakuru, yet she has been away for months while critical services in the county continue to deteriorate,” Kimori stated.

In his petition, Kimori accused the governor of neglecting her duties while still earning a salary.

He pointed out that her administration had ordered the closure of War Memorial Hospital, a key healthcare facility, yet she opted to seek treatment abroad.

“While she enjoys advanced medical care in the U.S., the very people who elected her continue to suffer due to the collapse of local medical services under her leadership,” Kimori said.

Kimori’s frustrations echo those of Nakuru residents, who recently petitioned the County Assembly to clarify who is in charge of the devolved government.

The petition, filed last Friday, gives the assembly 14 days to respond, raising concerns over the growing tension between County Secretary Samuel Mwaura and Deputy Governor David Kones.

“The county faces serious issues. Who is making critical decisions? Who is running Nakuru?” Kimori asked.

According to him, Governor Kihika was last seen in public on November 18, 2024, during a graduation ceremony at a vocational training center.

Since then, Kones has taken over key county functions, including flagging off medical supplies in December.

Residents also noted her absence from major events, such as the New Year’s address, Egerton University’s tree-planting ceremony, and the launch of school buses attended by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in May.

Kimori and other petitioners further accused the governor of failing to address security concerns, including the disappearance of Brian Odhiambo, a fisherman believed to be a victim of extra-judicial killings, and the case of Mercy Chepngeno, whose body went missing from the Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary.

They are now demanding full disclosure of her foreign trips and their benefit to the county.

“The people of Nakuru elected the governor to lead, engage, and work for their interests. Her long absence and silence have left the county in uncertainty and frustration,” the petition reads.

Responding to the concerns, County Chief of Staff Peter Ketyenya stated on February 17, 2025, that Kihika was still on maternity leave but would return to office in a few weeks.