Petition filed seeking to block Susan Kihika's Nakuru Governor bid

Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika now faces a fresh hurdle in her quest to ascend to the county’s governorship seat after a petition was filed seeking to block her bid.

Joseph Kimani Njuguna, in his petition to Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati, wants Kihika stopped in her tracks on the basis that she is not a Kenyan citizen.

According to Njuguna, Kihika allegedly renounced her Kenyan citizenship in 2003 and acquired the United States of America citizenship.

“Having lost her Kenya citizenship, the said Susan Wakahura Kihika was required under section 10 of the Citizenship and Immigration Act Cap 172 of the laws of Kenya to apply in the prescribed manner in order to regain citizenship of Kenya,” read the petition.

“Section 8(4) of the Citizenship and Immigration Act makes it an offence for a duo citizen who fails to disclose his/her other citizenship in the prescribed manners.”

The petitioner argues that Kihika, who previously served as the Nakuru County Assembly Speaker (2013-2017) and Senator (2017-to date), hence contravenes the Constitution in her quest to become governor.

“I therefore request that the said Susan Wakahura Kihika be barred from contesting the upcoming general election of the August 2022 in the position of Governor Nakuru County,” wrote Njuguna.