Is Governor Kihika's political proximity to President Ruto fuelling anger over her absence?

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika is currently on maternity leave, and while this is entirely human and within her rights, suddenly, the ‘maternity leave’ card is being viewed a little suspiciously and has become politically loaded in the eyes of an increasingly disillusioned electorate.

As public scrutiny of the head of state Dr William Ruto intensifies, attention is shifting to his inner circle and allies. 

Ms Kihika, often seen as politically close to the president, is catching strays, not necessarily because of the leave itself, but because of the silence, timing, and repeated patterns of absence.

Her proximity to power has always made her a visible figure.

Now, let’s not lie, she has always been that political ‘darling’, well-connected and loud when she needs to be.

But these days, visibility comes with a price, and hers is starting to look like unpaid dues.

As national frustrations trickle down, Nakuru residents are waking up from what some might say is political slumber and have begun to examine the gaps in their backyard.

A case in point is the several cases that have highlighted the county in a bad light in the media—something that has ceased to be shocking.

Starting with Brian Odhiambo’s story- which might we add the county has been silent on- baby Mercy Chepng'eno, and the latest being patients being rudely asked to sleep outside at the county’s Level 5 hospital and a shoddy statement to that effect issued.

All this has been as a lack of direction as a devolved unit with individuals angered and calling on outside forces to intervene, all while the members of the county assembly wametulia tuli.

It all started with the missing person poster that escalated to a letter to the USA embassy to its president requesting the governor’s deportation.

Now, with that not heeded, residents are well on their way to collecting enough signatures to call for the dissolution of the county government. Well! Kitumbua kiko karibu kuingia mchanga.

This isn’t the first time her low profile has raised eyebrows

In 2023, the last time she was seen in the public eye was April 20, only to be seen later on May 29, the same year.

Then, she did not address the issue of her absence and, however, put across a joke to the media to cover her presence at the event, just as they had publicized her absence.

This time, things have escalated from yapayapa on the internet to efforts aiming for the jugular.

All Nakuru is waiting for is a similar smart answer once she resurfaces.