Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja has ignited a political storm.

Urging the county assembly to launch impeachment proceedings against Governor Susan Kihika over her prolonged absence from office.

Karanja argues that the governor’s extended leave has left a leadership void, fueling accountability concerns and crippling essential services in the county.

Her call comes amid heated debate, with Deputy Governor David Kones stepping up to defend Kihika.

Insisting that the county remains stable.

He dismissed claims that her absence has paralyzed operations, asserting that Kihika had put in place robust governance structures that continue to function smoothly in her absence.

“The governor is fully entitled to maternity leave.

She officially communicated her absence through a letter widely shared on social media, confirming that she had delegated her duties to me,” Kones stated.

Nakuru County is stable

He assured residents that all county affairs were under control.

“I have chaired executive meetings and represented the governor in key forums.

There is no leadership crisis in Nakuru,” he declared.

However, Senator Karanja fired back, arguing that the prolonged absence had created a power vacuum and opened the floodgates for financial mismanagement.

She pointed to stalled infrastructure projects, hospitals running out of essential supplies, and contractors left unpaid due to the uncertainty.

Speaking in Naivasha, Karanja did not mince her words:

“We celebrate the governor’s new motherhood, but Nakuru is in crisis. She must officially hand over power to her deputy or step aside.”

Surrounded by local leaders, she painted a grim picture of the county’s deteriorating state.

“Hospitals have collapsed, major projects are abandoned, and revenue collection has taken a nosedive.

Maternity leave is three months by law, yet our governor has been absent for a year.

The MCAs must take action and impeach her,” she demanded.

Local leader Esther Njoki took issue with Kihika’s choice to give birth abroad, questioning her faith in Kenyan healthcare.

“If the governor herself doesn’t trust our hospitals, what message does that send to the people of Nakuru?” she asked.

She also decried the suffering of Kayole residents, who are battling toxic emissions from the town’s dumpsite.

Another leader, Naomi Njoki, blasted women parliamentarians for attempting to silence Nakuru residents demanding answers.

“Our biggest problem is the total lack of communication.

People don’t even know who is running the county anymore,” she said.

Meanwhile, Njoroge Muthomi called for an urgent audit of county finances, alleging that millions had been siphoned off in the governor’s absence.

With mounting pressure and political tensions reaching a boiling point, the fate of Governor Kihika hangs in the balance as Nakuru residents demand clarity and decisive leadership.