A Nakuru-based activist, Engineer Evans Kimori,
has initiated a legal and constitutional process to dissolve the Nakuru County
Government, citing a prolonged leadership vacuum and governance breakdown under
Governor Susan Kihika.
Kimori’s move, grounded in Article 192(b) of
the Kenyan Constitution, seeks to compel the President to suspend the county
administration over what he terms as failure to serve the public and internal
leadership conflicts. The petition could pave the way for fresh gubernatorial
and county assembly elections within 90 days, if successful.
Leadership
Void Sparks Legal Action
In a letter submitted to the Independent
Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in April, Kimori formally requested
clarity on the legal steps and voter threshold required to initiate such a
move.
He asked for official data on:
- *The total number of registered voters in Nakuru County
- *The minimum number of valid signatures needed
- *The legal process to conduct a public petition in accordance with
the Constitution
Kimori accuses the Nakuru County Assembly of failing
in its oversight role, and claims that Governor Kihika has been absent for an
extended period without officially handing over executive duties.
Kihika’s
Absence Fuels County Power Struggles
According to the activist, Governor Kihika
traveled to the United States without designating a deputy to act on her
behalf, causing confusion and tension between Deputy Governor David Kones and County
Secretary Samuel Mwaura.
“The residents of Nakuru deserve leadership
that is accountable, present, and responsive to their needs. What we are
witnessing now is administrative abandonment and a collapse in service
delivery,” Kimori said.
Past
Efforts to Demand Accountability
This is not the first time Kimori has raised
concerns over governance in Nakuru. On March 25, 2025, he filed a petition with
the County Assembly, demanding an explanation for Kihika’s prolonged absence
and calling for her or a designated official to publicly clarify who is
currently running the county.
To date, Kimori says he has received no
official response from county authorities.
What the
Constitution Says
Article 192 of the Constitution permits the President
of Kenya to suspend a county government in exceptional cases, including:
- *Conflicts that render a county ungovernable
- *Leadership disputes or crises
- *Other emergencies where governance is compromised
Before such a decision is made, an independent
commission must be appointed to investigate the allegations. The Senate must
also approve the suspension, after which the President may authorize fresh
elections within three months.
Legal Path
to Restore Accountability
Kimori’s petition highlights a growing demand
for transparency and accountability in devolved units. If validated, the move
could make Nakuru County the first in 2025 to face a potential government
suspension due to internal dysfunction. All eyes are now on the IEBC, the
Senate, and the Office of the President as pressure mounts for action.
