Nakuru Deputy Governor Insists County Government Stable Amid Governor Absence

David Kones, Deputy Governor of Nakuru County, has firmly dismissed claims of a leadership vacuum in the county, following extended public concerns over the whereabouts of Susan Kihika. Speaking on March 26, 2025, Kones said that the governor had officially handed over management responsibilities to him before departing on maternity leave in the United States, and that county operations continued under his and other officials’ supervision.
According to Kones, the handover was formalised via a letter circulated across social media and internal channels early in the year, signalling the governor’s brief absence and his role as acting executive. He emphasised that all departments had been functioning, citing examples such as the distribution of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) chairs and books on January 14, 2025. Kones further clarified that while he was chairing cabinet and executive meetings, the substantive role of governor remained with Kihika, in line with constitutional provisions.
Public reaction to Kones’ assurance has been mixed. Some residents and women-parliamentary leaders welcomed the statement, emphasising that Kihika’s right to maternity leave should be respected, and that leadership continuity was being maintained. Others, however, questioned whether the deputy governor had sufficient mandate to fully oversee affairs in the governor’s absence. The activist community and some political figures pointed to stalled projects and demanded transparency regarding the county’s governance during the period of absence.
Looking ahead, the situation will be closely watched as residents expect — and deserve — referenceable progress in service delivery and development programmes. The county will likely face ongoing scrutiny over whether key decisions and contracts proceeded appropriately in the governor’s absence. Should the administration demonstrate continued operational efficiency and transparency, it may quiet criticism of the leadership gap. Conversely, any missteps could amplify calls for accountability or even challenge the legitimacy of decisions taken during the period.