NAKURU, Kenya – A resident of Nakuru, Evans Kimori, has formally requested clarification from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) regarding the threshold of signatures required to initiate the suspension of the County Government of Nakuru.
In a letter addressed to the IEBC’s Nakuru county office, Kimori sought to understand both the number of registered voters in the region and the specific number of signatures needed for such a move.
Kimori’s call comes amid claims that the county has been in turmoil due to the prolonged absence of Governor Susan Kihika.
He pointed to several issues plaguing the devolved unit, notably a series of alleged abductions carried out by officers of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), which have sparked public outrage.
This petition follows another, filed 14 days earlier, demanding the County Assembly of Nakuru explain the whereabouts of Governor Kihika.
Further escalating the matter, Kimori also addressed a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, seeking the deportation of the governor.
However, some women leaders have rallied in defense of Kihika, clarifying that she is currently on maternity leave in the United States.
They have dismissed the claims of her abandonment of duties as unfounded.
The last public appearance of Governor Kihika was on November 18, 2024, during a graduation ceremony for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students in the county.
According to Article 192 of the Kenyan Constitution, the President may suspend a county government in cases of emergency, such as internal conflict or war.
However, this process can only proceed after an independent commission of inquiry has investigated the allegations.
The President must then be satisfied that the allegations are justified before moving forward with the suspension.
Furthermore, the Constitution grants the Senate the power to either authorize or terminate the suspension of the county government.
