The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) on Tuesday, March 25, held a press briefing to defend Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika over what they termed political bullying regarding her continued stay in the United States (US).
This came just hours after Evans Kimori, a Kenyan living in Nakuru, petitioned US President Donald Trump to deport Governor Kihika, who has been on maternity leave in the US.
Speaking to the media, the female leaders defended Kihika, stating that it was common knowledge that the Nakuru governor had been on maternity leave and that the continued attacks on her were unfounded.
"They know very well that she has given birth. Now they are embarrassing themselves by walking around naked and asking for an impossible thing. The US embassy is even wondering what you are asking. What do you want the US embassy to help you with? Please, Kenyans, sometimes we go overboard," Kisii Woman Representative Doris Donya mused.
They further highlighted Kihika's right to take her leave as stipulated in the Kenyan Constitution, noting that the attacks on her were gender-specific.
To address this, they made three demands aimed at protecting women leaders across the country and ensuring a level playing field with their male counterparts.
"We affirm that Her Excellency Susan Kihika, just like any other parent, has the right to maternity leave to care for her child. We therefore demand the following: one, an end to gender-based attacks on Governor Susan Kihika and all our women leaders," they stated.
"Two, respect for the rights of women leaders to take legally recognized maternity leave without facing political bullying, because that is exactly what is happening to Governor Kihika right now, and three, a fair political environment."
Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda concluded the presser by assuring Governor Kihika of their solidarity in the face of the continued attacks.
"We stand with you. We celebrate your resilience, and we assure you that your health and well-being matter. We look forward to your full recovery and eventual return to the great people of Nakuru County."
In the letter penned by Kimori, he alleged that Kihika had overstayed in the US, reportedly missing in action for five months instead of the allowed three months.
"Governor Kihika, elected in August 2022, has allegedly been seeking maternity and newborn medical attention in the USA for an extended period. While maternity leave is recognized under Kenyan law for up to 90 days, she has been absent for nearly five months, creating a leadership vacuum in Nakuru County," part of Kimori's letter read.
Over the past few months, residents of the county, including Senator Tabitha Karanja, have been calling for her resignation. Speaking to the media on February 18, Senator Karanja threatened to table a vote of no confidence in the Senate if Kihika did not recuse herself from the role.
