Activists concerned over Nakuru crisis amid Kihika's absence

Nakuru based activist Eng.Evans Kimori accompanied by bunge la wananchi members address the media at Jeevanjee gardens in Nairobi on March 27,2025. [Benard Orwongo,Standard]

Some activists in Nairobi now claim the continued absence of Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika is slowly sinking the county into crisis.

The group was led by Evans Kimori, a Nakuru county activist, who recently petitioned President Trump to deport the governor, citing that she had overstayed in the United States.

The activist said the prolonged absence of the governor had opened a window for power struggles in the county, resulting in confusion, stalled development and a breakdown in county administration.

They also accused the governor of failing to properly communicate about her extended stay, leaving speculations.

“When Nakuru residents took to the streets demanding answers over the abduction of fisherman Brian Odhiambo, the Governor was absent and silent giving the voters who elected her a cold shoulder,” said Kimori.

“The people sought reassurance from their leaders, but no senior county official addressed them or showed concern for justice,” he added.

In a joint statement, the activists said the governor went mute when the body of a 7-month-old baby went missing at Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital under unclear circumstances.

“Despite the parents’ distress and public outrage, the Governor has been silent, failing to provide guidance or ensure a thorough investigation,” they said, adding that the county was grappling with a healthcare crisis and declining services like revenue collections.

For this reason, they demanded the reopening of the War Memorial hospital, proper communication from the governor, resolution of the power struggle in the county, accountability and respect for the law.

“The County Assembly must act now to restore governance and ensure Nakuru residents receive the leadership they elected, failure to act, we the residents will proceed to file for absconding of duty by the Governor,” they said.