Kenyan citizen wants Trump to deport Nakuru Governor from the US due to 'extended stay'

A Kenyan citizen, Evans Kimori, has reportedly reached out to US President Donald Trump, requesting the deportation of Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika due to her extended stay in the United States, which has raised concerns about governance and service delivery in her county.

Additionally, Kimori, in a letter copied to Kenyan President William Ruto, urged Trump to intervene, arguing that Kihika’s prolonged absence has created a leadership gap, negatively impacting essential public services in Nakuru.

He further claimed that despite being away for an extended period, the governor continues to receive a substantial salary while neglecting her responsibilities.

Following public pressure on her whereabouts, the governor came out on January 17, 2025, to reveal that she was on maternity leave.

“Governor Kihika, who was elected in August 2022, is said to have traveled to the US for maternity and postnatal medical care. While Kenyan law permits maternity leave for up to 90 days, she has remained abroad for nearly five months, leaving Nakuru County without active leadership,” reads part of Kimori’s letter.

He further informed Trump that the governor’s extended stay overseas has worsened challenges in Nakuru’s healthcare sector, particularly following the closure of War Memorial Hospital.

“The governor opted to seek medical care in the US while her administration shut down War Memorial Hospital, a key healthcare facility that has served Nakuru residents since 1906."

He added that while Governor Kihika benefits from advanced medical care abroad, Nakuru residents continue to suffer due to the deteriorating state of local healthcare under her leadership.

Kimori in the letter copied to President William Ruto says that the governor has been on maternity leave in the US for an extended period.

Following public pressure on her whereabouts, the governor came out on January 17, 2025, to reveal that she was on maternity leave.

During her absence, she has been using social media to post updates on various county projects and programmes.

Last week, Kimori and more than 2,000 residents submitted a petition to the Nakuru county assembly requesting a detailed explanation of Kihika's whereabouts, who has been in charge of the county in her absence, and the benefits of her numerous trips abroad.

The assembly has 14 days from March 17, 2025 to respond to the petition.