Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika is facing mounting pressure and possible impeachment following the emergence of a lawsuit that claims she held a U.S. government position while still a Kenyan citizen. The case, filed in Kenya’s High Court by Nakuru voter Peter Kuria Mwaniki, alleges that Kihika served as an Assistant District Attorney in Dallas County, Texas—a job exclusively reserved for U.S. citizens.
Official records from Dallas County confirm that Susan Wakarura Kihika was indeed employed in that capacity. In the U.S., the position of Assistant District Attorney is classified under public service roles restricted to American citizens due to security clearance and prosecutorial powers. This alone raises red flags regarding her citizenship status.
According to Article 78(2) of the Kenyan Constitution, a person who holds dual citizenship is not eligible to hold State office unless they renounce their foreign citizenship. There is no public documentation indicating that Kihika formally renounced her American citizenship before running for office in Kenya. Kuria claims he wrote to her requesting proof of renunciation, but received no response, further fueling suspicions.
The petitioner has named Kihika, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in the lawsuit. He argues that the IEBC failed in its duty to scrutinize her eligibility during the 2022 General Election, allowing her to contest despite constitutional limitations. The case demands her removal from office and that Deputy Governor David Kones be sworn in.
What strengthens the calls for impeachment is that the petition is not based on speculation. It is supported by verifiable employment records and the clear provisions of the Constitution. Legal experts have stated that if the court confirms she held U.S. citizenship at the time of her election and did not renounce it, she not only violated the Constitution but could also face criminal charges for perjury and misrepresentation.
Political observers note that the silence from Kihika’s office, coupled with her recent long absence from Nakuru during a healthcare crisis, has intensified public unrest. Over 2,000 county residents have petitioned the County Assembly to investigate her conduct and eligibility. Some ward representatives are already discussing a possible motion for her impeachment based on constitutional violations and breach of public trust.
As evidence mounts and public sentiment turns, the political future of Susan Kihika appears increasingly uncertain. The High Court is expected to set a hearing date soon, and the outcome could set a precedent on dual citizenship and eligibility in Kenya’s political landscape. If proven, this case may not only unseat Kihika but trigger a broader scrutiny of leaders with foreign ties.
By Kenyans