Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has finally broken her months-long absence, surfacing in a new photo shared by former Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga.
The image, which quickly went viral, marks the first public sighting of Kihika since November last year and has sparked reactions across the country.
Omanga, who appears to be abroad, posted the picture on her social media account, captioning it: "Blessed to have a best friend who walks with me in faith, love, and laughter. Grateful for the bond God has given us! @susankihika."
This rare update on Kihika's whereabouts comes after weeks of speculation, with many Nakuru residents questioning why their governor had vanished from the public eye.
In response, Nakuru County Chief of Staff Dr. Peter Ketyenya released a statement on her behalf, reassuring the public that she was doing well and was simply on maternity leave.
"Following numerous calls I have received regarding my absence as the elected governor, I want to assure the people of Nakuru that I am well and currently on maternity leave," Kihika stated.
The governor, who recently gave birth to a baby girl in the United States, expressed gratitude for the concern shown by Nakuru residents and reaffirmed her commitment to service delivery. She assured them that Deputy Governor David Kones was effectively handling county affairs in her absence.
Despite her physical absence, Kihika’s social media pages have remained active.
Her most recent post focused on a major water project in Mosop Ward, where she highlighted the ongoing construction of 500,000-liter storage tanks and 20km of piping to improve water supply.
However, even as Kihika celebrates motherhood, she faces a legal battle that could threaten her governorship.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has filed a petition at the High Court seeking to declare her unfit for office. The case stems from allegations that she unlawfully seized a hospital in October and ignored court orders.
Through her legal team, Kihika has urged the court to dismiss the petition, arguing that it lacks merit.
Meanwhile, Omanga’s post has triggered a storm of reactions online. Some Kenyans took a lighthearted approach, offering to "step in" as governor.
Twitter user @kelmalongokel joked: "I would like to be the acting governor for Nakuru. I need your blessings."
Others, however, were unimpressed, calling out the governor for being away from her post for too long.
User @ENGnaftali criticised: "You know what shame is? Shame is when you show off with a governor elected by Kenyans to serve them in Kenya, but she is cozying up in a middle-class suburb in the USA!"
Omanga herself has been posting from what appears to be the United States.
In a recent update, she shared her experience at a church in Dallas, writing: "Feeling blessed and uplifted after worshipping at Dallas New Life Church today! Grateful for the message, the community, and God’s presence."
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