Nakuru County Residents Demand Answers Over Governor Susan Kihika’s Prolonged Absence

Residents of Nakuru County have submitted a petition to the Nakuru County Assembly demanding clarity on the whereabouts and leadership status of Governor Susan Kihika, who has remained out of public view for months amid maternity leave and foreign travel. The petition – signed by over 2,000 locals – gives the Assembly 14 days to explain who is running the county and to provide full details of the governor’s extended absence.
The action comes amid escalating concerns over a leadership vacuum in the county government. Petitioners allege that since the governor’s last public appearance in November 2024, key responsibilities have shifted informally to the Deputy Governor and County Secretary, leading to internal conflict and stalled service delivery. They also demand an audit of foreign travel by county officials and updates on unresolved cases such as the disappearance of fisherman Brian Odhiambo. In response, Deputy Governor David Kones insisted there is no leadership vacuum, and that governance continues under his and other officials’ oversight.
The petition has triggered a wave of reactions across Nakuru. Some residents view the petition as a necessary check on county governance and a signal that public officials must remain accountable. Others believe the governor’s leave is lawful and that her absence should not be construed as abdication of duty. Nonetheless, the pressure on the county assembly to act and provide answers has intensified, especially as basic services remain under strain.
Looking ahead, the next steps hinge on whether the Nakuru County Assembly will meet the two‑week deadline and summon the governor or her representative. A failure to respond could prompt legal action or calls for broader intervention under the country’s devolved governance framework. For residents, the petition represents more than a demand for transparency—it reflects growing impatience with unclear leadership and the urgent need for stable oversight in Nakuru County.