Eng. Kimori Evan petitions U.S. President to deport Governor Susan Kihika over prolonged absence

Eng. Kimori Evans, Founder of Kimori Foundation and Comand Center has formally petitioned U.S. President Donald Trump to deport Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, citing her prolonged absence from office and failure to address critical healthcare challenges in the county.

In a letter dated March 25, 2025, and addressed to President Trump through the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kimori argues that Governor Kihika has been away in the United States for nearly five months, allegedly seeking maternity and newborn medical care. This period exceeds the 90-day maternity leave allowed under Kenyan law, creating what he describes as a leadership vacuum in Nakuru County.

Kimori further claims that while Governor Kihika enjoys medical care in the U.S., residents of Nakuru are suffering due to the closure of the War Memorial Hospital, a key healthcare facility that has been shut down under her administration. The hospital, which had served Nakuru residents since 1906, remains closed despite court orders mandating its reopening.

“The closure of War Memorial Hospital has left thousands of residents, especially mothers, children, and patients with chronic illnesses, without essential healthcare,” Kimori stated. He accused the governor of neglecting her duties while continuing to receive a full salary despite her extended absence.

Kimori, who heads the Kimori Foundation & Command Center, is urging the U.S. government to facilitate Governor Kihika’s return to Kenya, arguing that the people of Nakuru deserve accountable leadership.

“Her continued stay in the U.S. undermines the trust and democratic mandate placed in her by the electorate,” the petition reads.

Kimori copied the letter to Kenyan President William Ruto, signaling an appeal for national intervention in resolving the matter.

Governor Kihika, elected in August 2022, has faced growing criticism over her administration’s handling of healthcare and governance issues. Her absence has raised legal and political concerns about leadership continuity and service delivery in Nakuru.

It remains to be seen how both the Kenyan and U.S. governments will respond to the petition, as public pressure mounts for action to be taken on the county’s leadership crisis