Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has stirred public debate following her candid explanation of why she opted to deliver her children in the United States rather than at a Kenyan facility.
Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations at Heroes Technical Vocational College in Bahati, the governor addressed her prolonged absence and the questions surrounding her maternity decisions.
Kihika stated that her choice to seek maternal care overseas was guided by her position of authority in Nakuru County, where all healthcare professionals operate under her administration.
She explained to the crowd mostly in Kikuyu that it would have been awkward and uncomfortable to be assisted in labor by the very medical officers who report to her office.
The governor likened the situation to one that would blur professional lines, saying it would have been challenging to maintain authority and mutual respect had she exposed herself to staff she considers junior in rank.
Her remarks, which were captured on video and circulated widely online, drew mixed reactions from the public. While some of her supporters saw her statements as honest and relatable, many social media users criticized the reasoning behind her decision.
A large segment of the online community viewed her comments as dismissive of the professionalism of Kenyan medical personnel.
Others questioned the message her actions sent to ordinary citizens who have no option but to rely on the country’s public healthcare system.
Despite the backlash, Kihika used the platform to promise improved healthcare access for women in her county. She said her experience abroad had motivated her to invest in maternity facilities that provide comfort and dignity for expectant mothers.
The governor said she intends to replicate certain elements of her experience in the United States to enhance maternal services in Nakuru.
Kihika, who returned to Kenya recently after a five-month stay abroad, was accompanied by her newborn twins during her public appearance. Her extended absence had previously sparked public concern, with some residents questioning leadership accountability and transparency.
By Kenyans