For Nakuru residents, 2025 began with, a memo that was released to newsrooms stating that Governor Susan Kihika was on maternity leave.

Prior to this communication, the Governor had not been seen in public gatherings for about two months, even missing the Christmass events which she has been very fond of in the past.

In her absence, questions linger concerning who is running the County.

Despite the memo stating that the Deputy Governor David Kones would be in charge, there have been concerns seeing as the person who seems to run things is actually the County Secretary Dr. Samuel Mwaura.

An eloquent man with an authoritative tone, making it clear that he is confident and wields undeniable power.

These speculations stem from instances where Dr Mwaura has appeared to be the voice of the County, seemingly fitting into Kihika’s shoes.

One such incidence was when Dr Mwaura called a press briefing last week, to address various allegations against the county government, a briefing where the deputy governor was conspicuously missing.

He was also there to address the family of missing Mercy Chepng’eno, after they staged a protest at Nakuru Teaching and Referral hospital morgue.

But this was not the only time Dr Mwaura has appeared to take county matters by the horn.

During the messy war memorial saga, he was at the forefront pushing the County’s agenda in his signature well-fitting suit.

His actions during that period attracted the attention of the County Assembly, causing a section of the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to orchestrate an impeachment motion.

However, Dr Mwaura narrowly escaped the impeachment after 65 MCAs voted against Speaker Joel Karuri's proposal to set up a select committee to investigate the matter.

Inside the county government headquarters, sources say a storm is brewing.

A source close to the government, who wished to remain anonymous, shared an incident where recently the County Secretary led the proceedings at a county executive meeting, instead of the Deputy Governor.

This did not sit well with some executive members, leading to a walkout.

“There are also two Chief Officers who have had a hard time working in the absence of the Governor, and have since stepped down from their posts. The Deputy Governor doesn’t really seem to be the one running the show in the real sense,” says the source.

This situation solidified questions about the role of the Deputy Governor, who ideally should be deputizing the Governor and acting as County Boss in her absence.

According to his Fabebook page, Mr Kones has been representing the Governor in burials and launching projects predominantly in the Kuresoi North and South regions.

Naivasha East MCA, Stanley Karanja, points out that there should be a smooth transition in the event of an elected leader's absenteeism.

“In the event that the Governor is going on leave, she should have officially handed over to the Deputy Governor. This never really happened, as we only learned about her leave of absence much later. If the Deputy Governor is also absent, they should officially hand over to the Speaker of the County Assembly,” he says.

Could these issues underscore the confessions presented before the Devolution and intergovernmental relations senate committee last year, where Nandi Deputy Governor Yulita Mitei said, ‘some County bosses view the DG seat as an unnecessary appendage yet they campaigned together?”

Is Governor Kihika's political proximity to President Ruto fuelling anger over her absence?

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Leleti Jassor