Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika’s prolonged absence from Kenya sparked a firestorm of speculation, culminating in a heartwarming homecoming that blended personal joy with political intrigue. For over five months, Kihika, the county’s first female governor, was conspicuously absent, leaving Nakuru residents questioning her whereabouts.
The mystery deepened until January 2025, when she clarified through her Chief of Staff, Peter Ketyenya, that she was on maternity leave in the United States, recovering from complications after delivering twin boys, Jayden and Jonathan.
Her return on April 12, 2025, with her husband Sam Mburu and their newborns, was met with both celebration and lingering resentment, as politicians flocked to her home to welcome the twins, revealing the complex interplay of gender, leadership, and public expectations in Kenyan politics.
Kihika’s absence ignited fierce debate. Nakuru residents, frustrated by a perceived leadership vacuum, petitioned the County Assembly in March, demanding answers. Over 2,000 signatories, led by activist Evans Kimori, issued a 14-day ultimatum to clarify who was running the county, citing infighting between Deputy Governor David Kones and County Secretary Samuel Mwaura.
Kimori even wrote to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging Kihika’s deportation, arguing that her extended stay neglected critical issues like the Nakuru War Memorial Hospital closure and the disappearance of fisherman Brian Odhiambo. Critics pointed to her social media updates on county projects as evidence of “remote governance,” questioning accountability.
Yet, supporters, including women legislators like Nominated Senator Veronica Maina and Nandi’s Cynthia Muge, defended her, emphasizing her constitutional right to maternity leave and condemning gendered cyberbullying. They argued that motherhood enriches leadership, not hinders it, and praised Kones for steering Nakuru smoothly.
When Kihika returned, the narrative shifted to celebration. On April 25, her home became a hub for Kenya Kwanza luminaries, including Moses Kuria, Millicent Omanga, Beatrice Elachi, and MPs like Kuria Kimani and Samuel Arama. The intimate gathering, marked by hugs and smiles, was captured in photos that went viral, with Kihika expressing gratitude for the support during her “season of double blessings.” Kuria lauded the twins as a “bundle of joy” that surpasses any position of power, while a poignant image of Kihika embracing Elachi, who recently lost her son, underscored life’s contrasts.
However, the event wasn’t without controversy. Social media buzzed with mixed reactions—some celebrated her safe return while others questioned the optics of high-profile politicians partying while Nakuru faced unresolved issues.
Kihika’s saga exposes deeper fault lines. Her U.S. delivery, tied to her dual citizenship and past as a Texas-based lawyer, fueled accusations of privilege, with critics demanding that she bolster local healthcare instead.
As Kihika resumes her duties, her story challenges Kenya to reconcile women’s rights with public accountability, proving that leadership can embrace motherhood but must withstand scrutiny.
