Kihika under fire: Doctors demand apology over viral 'childbirth' remarks

Since her return, Nakuru governor Susan Kihika has made it her routine at public events to explain why she went abroad to give birth, especially when addressing women. 

This, seemingly being a justification of her five-month absence that raised eyebrows among Nakuru residents.

Her latest remarks have now drawn sharp criticism from medical professionals who feel slighted by her comments.

Speaking in her native Kikuyu during a public event, the governor explained that she opted to give birth overseas because local doctors were her juniors, implying discomfort with seeking treatment from them.

In the video, Ms Kihika intimates that it would have been inappropriate for the same doctors who report to her, to see her nakedness during child birth.

This remark has ignited a storm of reactions from health workers who view her sentiments as dismissive and demoralizing.

Dr. Stephen Omondi, the South Rift branch secretary for the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union, says the governor’s statement undermines the trust the public should have in Kenyan doctors.

“In training, we took an oath of confidentiality. When we take history and conduct examinations we don’t disclose. Her traveling abroad means she does not trust Kenyan doctors who are well-trained. How, then, can she convince the public to believe in the health system here or in Nakuru County where she is the leader?” he tells Mtaa Wangu over a phone interview.

The comments have stung a profession already grappling with strained resources and long-standing government indifference. For many doctors, Kihika’s reasoning felt like an insult to years of sacrifice and service.

“Her remarks are not only uncalled for but deeply hurtful as they clearly show she does not believe in our qualifications as experts. As a governor and leader in this county, she should apologise to doctors and healthcare workers,” adds Dr. Omondi.

The governor’s statement also raises broader concerns about the disconnect between public leaders and the systems they are elected to strengthen.

While it is a personal choice where one gives birth, critics argue that her explanation erodes confidence in public healthcare and contradicts efforts to promote local health facilities.

The county’s health workers now wait to see whether the governor will acknowledge the backlash and issue an apology.