Senator Tabitha Karanja Calls for Susan Kihika’s Impeachment: “To Salvage the County”

Senator Tabitha Karanja Calls for Susan Kihika’s Impeachment: “To Salvage the County”

Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja Keroche has urged Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to impeach Governor Susan Kihika. She argues that her prolonged absence has paralyzed county operations. Speaking in Naivasha on Thursday, March 27, Karanja warned that Nakuru faces a shutdown unless urgent action is taken.

Why Karanja Wants Kihika Out

Senator Karanja accused Kihika of failing to delegate power formally during her maternity leave. She said government operations had stalled due to this leadership vacuum.

“The transfer of instruments of power while she is away should have been formally communicated before she commenced the leave for the citizens to have a clear understanding of who will be in charge of the affairs of the county,” Karanja stated.

She also criticized Kihika’s leadership over the past two years, citing numerous court cases and administrative failures. According to Karanja, Nakuru has consistently made headlines for the wrong reasons due to Kihika’s missteps.

The Impact of Kihika’s Absence

Karanja pointed out that crucial projects had been abandoned, including the reopening of War Memorial Hospital and the completion of stalled stadiums. She warned that pending bills continue to pile up, affecting county development plans.

“We note abandonment of major projects including stadiums, pending bills. These will adversely impact the progress of the county to achieve its plans scheduled for delivery,” she added.

Karanja insists that MCAs must take swift action to prevent a total shutdown. She believes failure to address leadership challenges will weaken county governance and disrupt service delivery.

Setting a Bad Precedent for Women Leaders?

Nakuru made history in the 2022 General Election by electing a record number of women to top leadership positions. The county, dubbed “Nakuru Girls,” boasts influential leaders like Bahati MP Irene Njoki, Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, and Gilgil MP Martha Wangare. However, Karanja fears Kihika’s absence could undermine women’s leadership credibility in future elections.

“The absence from office without clear communication may set a bad precedent for women leadership in the future,” she warned.

She further vowed to rally residents to protest if MCAs failed to act on the impeachment petition.

The Rift Between Karanja and Kihika

Once close allies during the 2022 campaigns, Karanja and Kihika’s relationship has since soured. Their fallout has sharply divided the county, leading to public spats and political uncertainty.

Deputy Governor Defends Kihika

Nakuru Deputy Governor David Kones dismissed claims that the county is in crisis. He maintained that operations remain stable despite Kihika’s absence.

“There have been claims that county officials are competing for influence, but the county is functioning smoothly,” Kones stated.

However, residents and leaders remain divided on the issue, with growing pressure on MCAs to decide Kihika’s fate.

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Senator Tabitha Karanja Calls for Susan Kihika’s Impeachment: “To Salvage the County”