War of words between Tabitha Karanja and Susan Kihika ropes in Nakuru's maternity services

The ongoing duel between the Governor and her senator continues to escalate, widening the gap between them. Every new day brings something to binge on for Nakuru residents.

The latest jab came on February 13, during a Senate proceeding, where Senator Tabitha Karanja, while rallying fellow senators to help her push for a new bill, called out the Governor, Susan Kihika.

The bill in question would mandate that all elected leaders, including governors, senators, and the president, seek medical treatment within the country rather than traveling abroad for services.

"As senators, we should come up with a law that if you’re elected as a governor, senator, or president, you should not be allowed to seek medical services or treatment abroad," Karanja stated passionately.

This proposal stems from a recent incident in which Governor Kihika, informed residents via memo that she was away on maternity leave.

Karanja criticized the Governor for traveling abroad to give birth, despite her memo not mentioning this, while women in the county were facing severe challenges in accessing proper healthcare.

“The reason is our governor had the audacity to tell her chief of staff to write a memo to the Nakuru county people, saying that she has gone to America to give birth, while our women in Nakuru county are giving birth on the roadside," Karanja stated giving a recent example according to her that happened in Amalo, Kuresoi South.

 “We must ensure that hospitals are properly equipped with the necessary medicine, infrastructure, and medical human resources so that they can provide functional and quality services. The services in our hospitals should meet their (politicians) status so that everyone else too from the particular counties can enter those hospitals,” she added making a comparison to countries like the USA and Britain.

In retaliation, Kihika through the County Secretary, Dr. Samuel Mwaura, called for a media briefing to address various allegations against the county government, dismissing them as falsehoods being spread for political gain by some elected leaders in the county.

Addressing the issue raised by the senator, Dr. Mwaura acknowledged that they have seen protests from residents in the same area regarding the state of maternal health services.

However, he pointed out that the sub-county has an 80 percent service delivery rate, which is above both the county and national averages.

"Were these facts sought by the senator, we would not be having demonstrations on issues within the health sector. If the senator wants to understand anything to do with our health systems- maternal systems- we are ready and available," he remarked, accusing her of never having set foot in any public facility and therefore speaking about things she doesn’t understand.

Another blow was Dr. Mwaura calling out Senator Karanja, alleging that she owes the county over Sh30 million in unpaid water bills, Sh10 million in advertising and liquor license fees, and additional land rates.

What remains to be seen is who will take the next jab and just how hard will it fall.