Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika (left) and Senator Tabitha Keroche - Photo Courtesy:// Citizen Digital
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika is expected to return to Kenya next month after a four-month maternity leave, according to her deputy, David Kones. Addressing the media, Kones confirmed that Kihika had taken leave in December 2024, and has now given birth to twins in the United States, dismissing speculations regarding her health.
“The governor’s maternity leave follows labor laws and is expected to end in May. If she requires more time due to postnatal challenges, she may extend it,” Kones clarified.
However, some political activists have raised concerns, questioning the legitimacy of Kihika’s leave and claiming it might be a political excuse. Kones, in response, urged leaders to avoid politicizing personal matters and assured residents that county operations are running smoothly, including the recruitment of new county employees.
Meanwhile, Nakuru County Ward Representatives have criticized Senator Tabitha Karanja for failing to attend county assembly sessions since her election in 2022. Led by Majority Leader William Mutai, the MCAs accused Karanja of neglecting her oversight role and making divisive remarks, particularly about Governor Kihika’s maternity leave.
“For over two and a half years, the senator has not stepped into the county assembly to provide reports or engage in discussions regarding Nakuru’s development,” Mutai stated.
The ward representatives urged Senator Karanja to fulfill her legislative duties by attending assembly sessions instead of making controversial statements outside the house.
Currently, the county assembly is collecting public views for the 2025-2026 financial year budget.
Kihika and Karanja political History
Former close allies in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Senator Tabitha Karanja and Governor Susan Kihika of Nakuru, are now at the center of a growing political split that is separating the county’s leadership.
Each leader has accused the other of neglect and poor management, and their fallout has intensified into a fierce rivalry. Senator Karanja has come under fire from Governor Kihika for allegedly not carrying out her oversight responsibilities and for politicizing matters such as the dispute over the Nakuru War Memorial Hospital.
The governor has been accused by Senator Karanja of mismanaging county finances, illegally hiring staff, and terminating contracts of health workers and other employees who were left over from the previous administration.
Governor Kihika’s support for Nakuru East MP David Gikaria to run against Senator Karanja in the 2027 elections has escalated the conflict. With some MPs and Members of the County
Assembly (MCAs) supporting the governor and others supporting the senator, this action has further widened the rift within the county’s leadership.
In addition to dividing political loyalties, the rivalry has resulted in public altercations, with Governor Kihika accusing Senator Karanja of planning protests to discredit her government.
The Kihika-Karanja feud is probably going to have a big impact on how politics are shaped in Nakuru County as the 2027 elections draw near. Residents are divided and unsure of the county’s future due to the ongoing disagreements over leadership, healthcare management, and governance.
Political analysts suggest that the rivalry may have lasting implications for the UDA’s unity and influence in the region.
