Senator Karanja Slams Governor Kihika’s Extended Maternity Leave as Governance Issue

In Nakuru County, Tabitha Karanja, Senator for the region, has publicly criticised Susan Kihika, the Governor, for remaining away from her duties on maternity leave for five months—far longer than the three months permitted by law. Speaking at a press briefing on April 3, 2025, Karanja argued that Kihika’s prolonged absence created a governance vacuum, with key decisions left unattended and county leadership blurred.
Karanja’s remarks come amid growing concern from residents and county staff about service delivery and leadership clarity. According to the Senator, the governor’s extended leave was neither properly communicated nor backed by a formal handover of responsibilities, which may contradict the constitutional framework for devolved government. Meanwhile, Governor Kihika maintains she followed legal protocols and has since resumed office.
The dispute has provoked mixed reactions across Nakuru. Supporters of Karanja say the call for accountability is overdue and underscores the need for transparent leadership in county administration. Others caution that the criticism veers into political point‑scoring rather than genuine governance reform. Nonetheless, the focus has shifted to the effectiveness of county operations during the governor’s absence and the mechanisms that ensured continuity. Analysts suggest the incident shines a spotlight on succession planning, oversight and the practical limits of leave policies in devolved units.
Looking ahead, the matter may lead to stronger protocols in Nakuru County and other counties regarding how leadership transitions are managed when elected officials take extended leave. It could also prompt legislative reviews of the accepted duration of maternity or other leaves for high‑ranking officials and the approval process for delegation of duties. For residents, the expectation is that restored leadership will translate into improved delivery of services and clearer accountability channels.