Lawsuit threatens to unseat Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika over U.S. government job

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika is under serious pressure following a court case that could lead to her impeachment. A voter from Nakuru, Peter Kuria Mwaniki, has filed a lawsuit in Kenya’s High Court accusing Kihika of holding a U.S. government job while still being a Kenyan citizen. According to the petition, Kihika worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Dallas County, Texas, a position that is only open to American citizens. This raises concerns about whether she ever renounced her U.S. citizenship before seeking public office in Kenya.

Official records from Dallas County confirm that Kihika was indeed employed in that capacity. In the United States, roles like Assistant District Attorney require one to be a U.S. citizen because of the high-level access and authority that come with such jobs. These are public service positions that involve prosecution and legal responsibilities, and they are not open to foreigners. This fact alone puts her eligibility to hold office in Kenya into question.

Kenya’s Constitution is clear about this. Article 78(2) states that any person holding dual citizenship must renounce the foreign one before running for or holding a State office. But so far, there is no record or proof that Kihika ever renounced her American citizenship. The petitioner, Kuria, claims he wrote to Kihika asking for this proof, but she never replied. This silence has made many people even more suspicious about her legal status and eligibility.

Kuria has included Kihika, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in the case. He argues that IEBC did not properly vet her during the 2022 elections and that they allowed her to run despite her being ineligible under the Constitution. He wants her removed from office and for Deputy Governor David Kones to take over.

What makes this case more serious is that it’s based on solid facts, not rumors. There are actual employment records and a clear constitutional guideline. Legal experts say that if the court finds she was still an American citizen during the election and had not renounced it, she could face not just impeachment but also criminal charges. These could include lying under oath or giving false information to the electoral body.

Kihika’s silence and recent absence from Nakuru during a healthcare crisis have angered many residents. Over 2,000 people have signed a petition demanding that the County Assembly look into her conduct.

Some Members of the County Assembly are already discussing the possibility of tabling a motion for her impeachment. They cite her possible breach of the Constitution and failure to maintain public trust.

Kihika’s future as Nakuru Governor hangs in the balance. The High Court will soon announce a hearing date, and whatever decision is made could shape the way Kenya handles dual citizenship and eligibility in the future. If the claims are confirmed, Kihika may lose her seat and open the door to more investigations into other politicians with foreign links.