Nakuru in Chaos: Senator Karanja Accuses Governor Kihika of “Ghost Rule” Amid Year-Long Maternity Leave, Pushes for Impeachment
Nakuru County Senator Tabitha Karanja has intensified her criticism of Governor Susan Kihika over her extended maternity leave. Despite receiving support from several politicians, including the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) and Deputy Governor David Kones, concerns continue to rise about the county’s governance.
Karanja Acknowledges Kihika’s Maternity Leave
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, March 26, Senator Karanja recognized Governor Kihika’s maternity leave but emphasized that Nakuru’s problems go beyond the governor’s absence.
“Our concern is not that Governor Susan Kihika went to give birth. In fact, if that is true, we want to congratulate her. We heard she had twins, and we thank God for that blessing,” Karanja stated.
Concerns Over Prolonged Absence
The senator, however, questioned why the governor had been away for a year instead of the standard three-month maternity leave. She also criticized Kihika for failing to formally inform Nakuru residents about her leave and who would be in charge during her absence.
According to Karanja, the law requires any transfer of power to be officially published in the Kenya Gazette and communicated to the public.
“Right now, the county government is at a standstill. Many important projects, such as the reopening of War Memorial Hospital, remain incomplete. The court ordered its reopening last year, yet nothing has been done,” she said.
Key Projects Stalled
Karanja highlighted several projects that had reportedly been abandoned due to the governor’s absence, including:
- Hospital renovations
- Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers
- School feeding programs
- Stadium construction
She also pointed out that the county had failed to meet its revenue target of Ksh10.9 billion and struggled with pending bills.
Calls for Impeachment
The senator urged Nakuru County Assembly Members (MCAs) to take action, warning that residents were growing frustrated. She reiterated her earlier call for Governor Kihika to resign or face impeachment.
Previously, on February 18, Karanja had warned that Kihika could face an impeachment motion or a vote of no confidence in the Senate.
KEWOPA and Deputy Governor Defend Kihika
Following these accusations, female politicians from KEWOPA defended Governor Kihika, calling the criticism a form of gender-based political bullying.
Additionally, Deputy Governor David Kones assured residents that there was no leadership vacuum, stating that Kihika had officially authorized him to run county affairs in her absence.
As tensions rise, it remains to be seen how this political battle will unfold in Nakuru County.
Nakuru in Chaos: Senator Karanja Accuses Governor Kihika of “Ghost Rule” Amid Year-Long Maternity Leave, Pushes for Impeachment
