Concerned Nakuru residents have petitioned the County Assembly, demanding an immediate investigation into the prolonged absence of Governor Susan Kihika. The petition, signed by over 2,000 residents and submitted on Thursday afternoon, gives the assembly 14 days to explain why Kihika has been missing from office for an extended period.
The petition also calls for an audit of all foreign trips by county officials and requests updates on the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of fisherman Brian Odhiambo, who vanished on January 18.
Addressing the media after filing the petition, residents accused the governor of neglecting her duties, citing leadership wrangles between the County Secretary and Deputy Governor David Kones as hindrances to development.
“The governor must decide whether to run her law firm in Texas or govern Nakuru County. We demand accountability and transparency now, not later,” stated one resident.
The petition follows recent reports of in-house disputes between county officials over who is leading the county in Kihika’s absence.
Kihika had addressed her absence earlier, explaining in a January 17 statement signed by Nakuru County Chief of Staff Peter Ketyenya that she was on maternity leave.
“After receiving numerous calls from concerned citizens, I want to assure the people of Nakuru that I am well and currently on maternity leave,” Kihika noted. She delegated her duties to Deputy Governor David Kones, emphasizing confidence in his leadership.
“I will resume my official duties at the end of my leave in a few weeks. Service delivery in Nakuru County remains on course under Deputy Governor Kones’ leadership,” she added.
Residents, however, are pressing for more transparency and a swift resolution to the leadership concerns.
