Deputy Governor discloses date of Kihika's return from maternity leave

After a lengthy absence from office that led to a political dispute, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika is set to return to the country next month, The Standard can now authoritatively report.

In a tell-it-all interview, her deputy, David Kones, revealed that the governor is on a four-month maternity leave that started in mid-December 2024.

“This is a four-month leave which takes into account working days only. You can do your math on when the leave shall lapse,” said Mr Kones.

However, Kones indicated that the tentative date of Kihika’s return may vary based on medical grounds.

“The governor may even come back to the country earlier than expected. However, she is entitled to a leave extension should she report having complications after delivery which we pray not to happen,” said Kones.

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Kones and the county executive have been at pains defending Kihika’s absence as members of the public claimed that she had been away for at least five months.

The last public event Kihika attended was a graduation ceremony on November 17, 2024, with activists noting that Kihika was missing in action two months prior to the event.

Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja took a swipe at the governor terming such absence as abdication of duties and even urged the county assembly members to impeach the governor.

“These are unfounded reports. The governor was very much around during that period and available for those who sought her. She didn’t have to go out publicly for it to be known she was there,” Kones responded.

Governor Kihika’s pregnancy has been a subject of discussion with a section of residents expressing their doubts on whether she was indeed pregnant and had delivered.

Lack of prior communication fueled the speculations even after her Chief of Staff Dr Peter Ketyenya released a press statement in January 2025 on the matter.

This was followed by a March pronouncement by Kenya Women Parliamentarians who revealed that Kihika had not only delivered but had been blessed with twins.

With a very thin line between the private and public life of public servants, Evans Kimori petitioned the county assembly urging the members to validate the claims.

“We want the governor summoned to explain her prolonged absence. We also want the MCAs to validate the claims on the alleged pregnancy and delivery,” said Kimori.

Kimori further petitioned the United States President Donald Trump to facilitate the return (deportation) of Governor Kihika back to Kenya for her to resume her official duties.

The deputy governor has however vehemently dismissed the speculations and petitions terming them as uncultured and intrusive to the private life of the governor.

“The governor is entitled to some level of privacy and that space should be respected. Who would fake a pregnancy and to what end? Even if one lies, at the end of nine months, a child will be expected,” said Kones.

The governor has also faced a backlash for seeking medical services in the United States after her administration unceremoniously closed down Nakuru War Memorial Hospital in a tussle with a private company.

“The tussle began years ago and the recovery of the hospital was in public interest. Three cases were filed and one has been concluded. The most important thing was for the county to be part and parcel of the management of the hospital,” said Kones.

He went on to explain “The hospital not reopening is not a personal choice of the governor. What is pending is a legal process which is underway. To accuse her of closing a hospital and seeking services elsewhere is too unfair to her person.”

The governor’s silent exit from the country and perceived power struggle between her deputy and county secretary, Dr Samuel Mwaura raised questions on how Kihika handled the temporal transition.

While some claim that the Governor should have officially and publicly handed over leadership to her deputy, the county attorney, Caleb Nyamwange, is of a different opinion.

“The Constitution and the County Governments Act have provisions that are self-executing. There is no requirement for any instrument of power to be handed over in our case. The deputy governor is performing his duties and the only powers he may not exercise are powers to nominate, appoint or dismiss,” said Nyamwange.

Asked about his experience as the official in-charge during Kihika’s absence, Kones described the process as smooth adding that he has been chairing cabinet meetings.

“There are even claims that projects have stalled. All county officials signed performance contracts, which ensure they continuously deliver. If any project appears to have stopped, it is most likely due to external factors and nothing to do with the executive,” said Kones.