Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja
Nakuru County is facing a political crisis as Senator Tabitha Karanja escalates her criticism of Governor Susan Kihika, alleging administrative dysfunction and an extended, unauthorized absence from office.
Karanja is calling on the Nakuru County Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings. This ultimatum comes as a 14-day notice to act, issued by disgruntled residents, has expired. The senator's primary accusation centers on Governor Kihika's maternity leave. Karanja claims Kihika exceeded the legally mandated three months, resulting in a year-long leadership vacuum.
"Our concern is not that our Governor, Susan Kihika, went to give birth. In fact, if that is true, we want to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Nakuru people, to congratulate her, and we are very happy for her. We heard she had twins and would love to thank God on her behalf because that is a double blessing," she stated.
She contends that the required formal gazetting of power transfer did not occur, leading to administrative stagnation. According to Karanja, this lapse has stalled critical county projects, including the court-ordered reopening of the War Memorial Hospital, the development of ECDE learning centres, and the continuation of essential feeding programs. She also cites the county's failure to meet revenue collection targets and the accumulation of pending bills as evidence of mismanagement.
"In short, the county government is at a standstill as we speak. Our other major concern is that there were serious issues left behind, including, among others, the reopening of the War Memorial Hospital, which the court ordered to be reopened last year, yet up to now, it has not been opened," Karanja stated.
Governor Kihika's allies, including the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) and Deputy Governor David Kones, have strongly defended her. KEWOPA has condemned the attacks as politically motivated bullying with gendered undertones. Kones has stated he is authorized to manage county affairs during Kihika’s absence, refuting claims of administrative paralysis. However, Senator Karanja remains unconvinced and continues to demand accountability.
Meanwhile, a formal appeal has been made to former US President Donald Trump by Kenyan citizen Evans Kimori, seeking intervention to facilitate Kihika's return. Kihika also faces legal repercussions stemming from a contempt of court order issued by the Environment and Land Court division, which sentenced her to a six-month jail term. Frustrated by the prolonged absence and its impact on local governance, Nakuru residents have since petitioned the county assembly, demanding an immediate and transparent investigation.