Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika is finally back in the country after spending over five months in the US.
The Governor, whose absenteeism sparked controversies among county members, on Friday, April 25, shared photos of friends and family at her home.
Kihika, who welcomed her twin sons while in the US, hosted colleagues who she said had come to officially welcome her and the children back home.
“Truly blessed and overwhelmed with gratitude. I was deeply humbled and honored to receive a warm visit from my dear friends who came to welcome me home and celebrate the arrival of my twin babies,” said Kihika in a post on Facebook.
“Your love, prayers, and presence mean the world to me and my family. Thank you for standing with me in this special season of double blessings,'' Kihika added.
The Governor had faced criticism for her prolonged absence from public duties, reportedly lasting nearly five months.
While she cited maternity leave as the reason, several residents questioned the extended duration, especially since Kenyan law allows for up to 90 days.
Following her prolonged stay, concerns were raised about the leadership vacuum she had left, with residents of Nakuru petitioning the County Assembly for clarity on governance during her absence.
The matter of her absence escalated to the extent where a citizen, Evans Kimori, wrote to US President Donald Trump, requesting her deportation back to Kenya.
Kimori argued that her absence had disrupted essential services in Nakuru, highlighting issues like the closure of War Memorial Hospital.
"On behalf of the residents of Nakuru, I respectfully request your intervention in facilitating her return to Kenya so that she can resume her duties," read part of Kimori's letter to Trump.
"The people of Nakuru deserve accountable leadership, and her continued stay in the U.S. undermines the trust and democratic mandate placed on her by the electorate," the letter continued.
During her stay in the US, Kihika continually posted updates about Nakuru's development. Women leaders in Kenya also defended Kihika's stay, condemning the criticism as gender-based attacks and affirming her right to maternity leave.
Moses Kuria, Millicent Omanga, Beatrice Elachi, and leaders from KEWOPA were among the leaders who welcomed Kihika.
