Nakuru residents demand to know whereabouts of Governor Susan Kihika

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika's prolonged absence from the county over the past five months has once again sparked widespread concern from residents.

Since November 2024, she has been overseeing county affairs remotely, frequently sharing updates on ongoing and completed projects via social media, a move that has angered residents.

On January 17, 2025, the governor addressed the matter, revealing that she was on an extended maternity leave as she awaited the arrival of her baby.

Many are urging the County Assembly to summon the governor or her representatives to openly explain her prolonged absence and why she has consistently missed key events.

Residents are demanding transparency from the county’s leadership, insisting that if Governor Kihika is unable to fulfill her duties, she should issue an official statement clarifying the situation.

Residents are also demanding that Governor Kihika hold a public forum to directly address them and assure them of her dedication to leading the county.

In a petition, they have given the County Assembly 14 days to respond, warning that if no action is taken, they will stage peaceful protests outside the assembly.

“With Nakuru facing numerous challenges that require firm leadership, the governor’s absence has left residents to struggle without clear direction or support,” the petition reads.

Governor Kihika last made a public appearance on November 18, 2024, and since then, she has only been active on social media, sharing updates on projects rather than directly addressing pressing issues.

Residents cite incidents such as the recent disappearance of fisherman Brian Odhiambo and the case of seven-month-old baby Mercy Chepng’eno, who went missing from the Nakuru Level 5 Hospital mortuary, as critical issues that demanded the governor’s attention.