BBC Exposé: Nakuru women leaders bow down to pressure, except Naivasha MP
An aeriel view of Nakuru city.
Have Nakuru’s women leaders finally bowed to public pressure?
After days of deafening silence, elected women leaders from Nakuru County began issuing statements condemning the child sex trafficking crisis in Maai Mahiu, but only after a national outcry ,viral online criticism, and mounting public frustration.
Governor Susan Kihika and Woman Representative Liza Chelule both released statements today, four days after the BBC exposé aired on Monday, laying bare the chilling reality of child exploitation in Maai Mahiu. Senator Tabitha Karanja Keroche spoke yesterday through a social media post.
Yet, one voice remains notably absent that of Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, under whose jurisdiction the affected girls fall. Despite growing calls for accountability, Kihara has not issued any public statement, visited the areas or acknowledged the crisis.
Her most recent public posts focus on church function and condolence to a family that lost a loved one.
The delay and silence have triggered a wave of backlash from residents, and online users. One viral TikTok video carried the caption: “Loud on political matters but silent where it matters the most.”
For many, the timing of the statements from Kihika, Chelule, and Keroche appears reactionary rather than proactive. A result of public shaming rather than principled leadership.
Governor Kihika, in her statement, condemned the exploitation and announced emergency rescue interventions, promising that perpetrators will be brought to book.
Chelule echoed the concern, vowing to follow up the matter in her capacity as Woman Representative. Senator Keroche expressed sorrow and called for justice in her statement.
But with Jane Kihara still silent, pressure continues to mount. Maai Mahiu sits squarely within her Naivasha constituency.
The scandal has exposed not only the horrors endured by girls in Maai Mahiu, but also the disappointing inaction from leaders who should have responded swiftly. While Governor Kihika has pledged action, many argue she cannot and should not shoulder the burden alone.
This crisis demands collective responsibility, especially from those mandated to champion the rights and protection of women and children.
Because leadership is not just about celebrating promotions or attending public functions it’s about standing up when it matters the most. Let this be remembered as the week when young girls cried for help and their leaders chose inaction.