Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika is back in Kenya after more than four months away in the United States, her deputy and a top aide have confirmed.
Deputy Governor David Kones said Ms Kihika, who has been on maternity leave, had returned and was ready to resume her duties.
He was addressing Ndundori residents on Thursday during Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's inspection tour of a market construction project. He added that the governor will soon make a public appearance.
“As I deliver the governor’s greetings, I want to confirm that she is well and has arrived. She will be visiting this area soon,” said Mr Kones.
On Friday, Nakuru County Chief of Staff Peter Ketyenya also confirmed that the governor returned from the US a few days ago and that preparations are underway for her to make a public appearance.
“Our governor arrived on Saturday. I can confirm she is well together with her babies and she is happy to resume duty.”
Stirred speculation
Her prolonged absence without initial communication to the public stirred speculation, with critics questioning her whereabouts.
Following growing criticism, the county government was forced to issue a public statement clarifying that the governor was on maternity leave and had left the running of the county in the hands of her deputy.
However, fresh concerns emerged over the procedure followed in delegating authority, with some critics claiming there was a power struggle between County Secretary Samuel Mwaura and the deputy governor.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and her deputy David Kones.
Activist Evans Kimori went further to file a petition before the County Assembly seeking to have the governor or her representatives summoned to explain her absence.
He also launched a signature collection drive aimed at pushing for the suspension of the county government citing a leadership vacuum.
At some point, female legislators came to the governor's defence and asked the public to go easy on her seeing as she had just delivered twins.
Ms Kihika is yet to make a public appearance although she has shared photographs with her husband Sam Mburu and their twin babies.
jopenda@ke.nationmedia.com
