Susan Kihika: Why I delivered in US

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika when she appeared before committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds at KICC ,Nairobi . June 27th , 2023 [Elvis Ogina,Standard]

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has defended her decision to give birth abroad, saying it would have been inappropriate for her "juniors" to see her naked.

In a video circulating on social media, Kihika is seen addressing a jubilant crowd in her native Kikuyu language during a public event.

“Women, you know our job (having babies). Just because I am the governor, does it mean I can’t have babies? Also, you know I am the governor. All doctors and nurses are under me. Did you really want me to lay on a table with the same doctors helping me deliver?” she posed.

“Then, when we go for meetings, will the same doctors be looking at me in the same way?” she added, prompting cheers from the crowd. She then promised to build a maternity facility to enable more women to “enjoy services like the ones I did.”

Kihika made the remarks during Madaraka Day celebrations held at Heroes Technical Vocational College in Bahati Sub-county, where area MP Irene Njoki and other local leaders were present.

Her comments, however, have drawn sharp criticism online, with many netizens taking issue with her reference to healthcare workers as her subordinates.

Twitter user @RobinsonMuiru wrote, “What a messed up statement to undermine the doctors. Hope they won't get sick and fly every time.”

@kendikinyua commented, “Doctors ni juniors wake???? Nimewaambia tunafaa tu transition to SERVANT LEADERSHIP hamskii...Madam, that's not an excuse. Heshimu madaktari na kazi yao.”

@mmwaurah weighed in, “Sometimes I feel that many Kenyans are still not capable of making good political decisions but the fumbling of the political class helps cover those gaps. What is this now, from a governor to her fellow women?”

@wilfredrogony added, “There is no way a doctor is junior to a politician.”

Governor Kihika recently returned to the country after a five-month stay abroad, during which she gave birth to twin babies in the United States.

Upon her return, she hosted a group of friends and colleagues who came to officially welcome her and her children back home.

“Truly blessed and overwhelmed with gratitude. Was deeply humbled and honored to receive a warm visit from my dear friends who came to welcome me home and celebrate the arrival of my twin babies,” she wrote on Facebook. 

“Your love, prayers, and presence mean the world to me and my family. Thank you for standing with me in this special season of double blessings," she added.

Her extended absence had previously sparked concerns among constituents, with many questioning the accountability of leaders who take lengthy breaks abroad while in office.