NAIROBI, Kenya- Maternity Leave Too Long?
Maternal care—a hot topic in Kenya right now, turned into a political weapon, and at the center of it all, Susan Kihika.
Supposedly on maternity leave, the Nakuru Governor has found herself under scrutiny, with critics reminding her that before she is a mother, she is a county boss.
Kihika may have envisioned a smooth transition—welcoming her twins, completing her one-year maternity leave, and returning to office. But five months in, questions about her absence, administration, and even private affairs have taken center stage.
Kenyans, in their usual KOX fashion, have not held back. What started with Senator Tabitha Karanja’s concerns, followed by an activist’s petition, has spiraled into a national debate riddled with double standards.
Yes, maternity leave is recognized in the Constitution. But does a one-year leave for a public servant—especially a governor—warrant scrutiny? Should the electorate be informed of such an extended absence?
Would the same conditions apply to other public servants, or is this a privilege reserved for the political elite?
Some may be inclined to defend Kihika, but as a staunch Kenya Kwanza supporter, does she not trust the very healthcare system her government advocates for?
Promoting local hospitals while seeking international medical care reeks of the very hypocrisy Kenyans have long criticized.
Building hospitals and launching healthcare initiatives is commendable, but when leaders themselves turn to foreign institutions, what message does that send?
Senator Tabitha Karanja is well within her rights to question Kihika’s prolonged absence—it directly impacts Nakuru County’s governance.
But is impeachment a justified course of action? Could it be the latest political tool to settle scores, now that it has successfully unseated elected officials? Are politicians weaponizing it to fit their narratives?
Women leaders rallied behind Kihika, defending her right to extended maternity leave—a commendable stance. However, in doing so, they inadvertently exposed her private medical details, blurring the line between advocacy and intrusion.
Maternal care must be prioritized, but the irony is glaring—leaders who champion Kenya’s healthcare system often opt out when it matters most.
Meanwhile, millions of Kenyans struggle to afford even basic healthcare, let alone overseas treatment.
As debates rage on, one thing remains clear: this controversy is about more than just maternity leave—it’s a mirror reflecting the inequalities and contradictions in our political and healthcare systems.
