Nakuru Resident Petitions IEBC Over Governor’s Absence, Sparks Political Debate
Muge emphasized that maternity leave is not a justification for political interference or the discrediting of women in leadership.
Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika. Photo/Kenya Times.
By Juliet Jerotich
A resident of Nakuru County has written to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), raising concerns over the functioning of the county government and seeking a temporary suspension of its operations.
The letter, signed by Evans Kimori, questions the leadership of the county following the prolonged absence of Governor Susan Kihika.
In the letter, Kimori urges the IEBC to disclose the number of registered voters and the required signatures to initiate the legal process of suspending the county government.
He claims the county has faced administrative challenges due to Governor Kihika’s absence, which has gone unexplained for weeks.
Kimori cited a petition that was tabled in the Nakuru County Assembly, demanding clarity on the Governor’s whereabouts.
He also referred to a letter addressed to former U.S. President Donald Trump, requesting assistance in deporting Kihika back to Kenya—though the legitimacy and purpose of such a letter remain unclear.
In response to the public uproar, a section of women leaders has come out in defense of Governor Kihika.
Nandi County Woman Representative, Cynthia Muge, clarified that the Governor is on maternity leave in the United States—a right she says every woman is legally entitled to.
“Every woman leader deserves to take maternity leave without facing political backlash,” Muge stated. “We demand an end to the gender-based attacks on Susan Kihika and call for respect for women leaders who are lawfully taking their leave.”
Muge emphasized that maternity leave is not a justification for political interference or the discrediting of women in leadership.
She urged critics to uphold the dignity and integrity of female leaders across the country.
According to Article 192 of the Kenyan Constitution, the President can suspend a county government under specific conditions, including in cases of emergency or serious legal concerns.
However, the law also provides that no suspension can occur unless an independent commission of inquiry thoroughly investigates the matter and presents a report.
As the debate continues, the focus remains on whether Governor Kihika’s absence constitutes grounds for constitutional action, or if the current uproar is a politically charged attack on a woman exercising her legal rights. The IEBC has yet to officially respond to the letter from Nakuru.
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