Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has opened up about her decision to give birth in the United States, explaining that it was primarily to protect her dignity as a leader.
Speaking on Thursday, June 5, Kihika noted that the nature of her position made it uncomfortable to give birth locally, especially in Nakuru hospitals where the medical staff are her juniors.
She explained that the decision was not an act of disregard for local health facilities but rather a matter of maintaining her image.
"I'm sure you women did not fight me when I went to give birth. As you know, I am also a woman; I went to do what we must do as women. Do you know that I am the governor? And that the doctors and nurses, especially in Nakuru, serve under me?
"Did you want me to expose myself to them at the delivery table? What image would they have of me after that? Won't they be undressing me in their minds when having meetings with them? That is why I had to travel to the US to protect my image," she said.
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Kihika also expressed gratitude to the community, particularly to women, for their support during her maternity journey.
As such, she promised to improve maternity services in Nakuru County, assuring residents that they too would benefit from modern health care.
"Why was my dowry paid if not so that I can bear children like all married women do? I thank you, mothers. You stood by me and continue to support me.
"I will construct more modern maternity wards so that you can also enjoy the services I enjoyed abroad," she concluded.
Kihika, who is married to businessman Sam Mburu, was in the United States for months to welcome her twins.
Following the birth of her child, Kenyan women leaders rallied behind Kihika, dismissing criticism over her prolonged absence from office.
In a statement on Tuesday, March 25, the leaders, led by former Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga, called for empathy and understanding, emphasizing the challenges of balancing leadership and motherhood.
"As women leaders of Kenya, we stand here today in solidarity with Governor Susan Kihika, a dedicated public servant and a mother who has recently welcomed twins into the world. We congratulate her on the birth of her children. They are a blessing from GOD and we give thanks.
"We take this moment to reaffirm our unwavering support for her and wish to address public concerns that have been raised regarding her prolonged absence from office due to medical complications following childbirth," read the statement.
The leaders urged the public to exercise patience, calling for a shift in societal expectations of women in leadership positions.
They criticized the notion that women leaders must choose between their professional duties and their well-being, calling for a more inclusive approach to leadership.
"We call upon the people of Nakuru and the nation at large to exercise patience, empathy, and understanding: Women in leadership are not exempt from the realities of motherhood. We are not only Governors, Senators, and public officials; we are also mothers, daughters, sisters, and aunties.
"The expectation that women leaders should sacrifice their well-being and that of their children and families to meet unrealistic demands is unfair and unjust. It is high time that our society embraces a more inclusive and humane approach to leadership—one that acknowledges the biological and social realities of women," the statement added.
