Journey to motherhood is difficult: Women leaders defend Governor Kihika's absence

Despite Kihika clarifying that she was on maternity leave and would resume her responsibilities in the coming weeks, the county residents recently filed a petition to the County Assembly to demand accountability from the governor. 

In a press briefing on Tuesday, the leaders led by Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda appealed to the public to exercise patience, citing that women navigate a tough balancing act between work and family. 

She pointed out that more policies need to be in place to support women in leadership. 

"As women leaders of Kenya, we stand in solidarity with Governor Susan Kihika. We congratulate her for her newborn baby. We are aware of petitions lodged in government institutions over her long absence from work," she said. 

"The journey to motherhood is difficult; it brings post-medical issues. Her absence has been caused by unforeseen circumstances. The nation should be patient and exercise empathy." 

Nominated Senator Veronica Maina echoed Senator Mutinda's remarks and encouraged the governor to be bold during challenging moments. 

"A woman is condemned if she has no child, why condemn again when they get a child? We encourage Kihika to be bold and we are here to ask for our rights," Maina noted. 

Additionally, Kisii Woman Representative Donya Dorice responded to a letter from activist Evans Kimori, who appealed to US President Donald Trump to deport the governor to Kenya to resume her duties. 

Donya questioned the bias against women in leadership, asking, "Why even write to the US to deport the governor?"

Leaders present included former Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga, nominated Senators, Hamida Kibwana, Karen Nyamu, Veronica Maina and MPs Cynthia Muge (Nandi) Dorice Donya (Kisii) Fatuma Mohamed (Migori) among others.

For five months, many have opined that Kihika's absence created a leadership vacuum in the county. Kihika's proponents have, however, dismissed the claims and reaffirmed that an effective county leadership is in place to handle duties before she resumes.