Kihika says she sought US maternity care to avoid ‘exposing herself’ to doctors under her
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika’s remarks during the Madaraka Day celebrations explaining why she travelled to the United States of America for maternity services have once again thrust her into the national limelight.
A viral video clip of Ms Kihika explaining to cheering residents why she sought healthcare services abroad has attracted uproar from Kenyans and medics.
Medics and Kenyans have criticised the governor, saying she exemplifies a trend among leaders who seek healthcare services abroad because they do not trust local hospitals and the healthcare system.
In the video clip circulated on social media, Ms Kihika is captured saying she sought healthcare services abroad because Kenyan maternity ward doctors and nurses are her juniors.
She says “exposing her body to the doctors and nurses” would have been shameful as they were likely to “mentally undress her whenever they saw her in public”.
“I am 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?” she posed while speaking in Kikuyu.
“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,” explained Ms. Kihika.
She reminded the women that she was married under Kikuyu customary law more than 10 years ago and therefore has every right to give birth, like any other woman.
“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,” said Ms Kihika.
Dr Davji Atellah, the Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) criticised local leaders especially governors who seek healthcare services abroad, saying the trend shows they lack trust in local healthcare facilities.
“Local leaders seek healthcare services abroad and overlook our health facilities because they have not prioritisd equipping and staffing hospitals. Their actions make us question their commitment to improving Kenya’s healthcare system,” stated Dr Atellah.
“Unpatriotic leaders”
The medic likened leaders, especially governors, who seek healthcare services abroad to being unpatriotic and partly responsible for the collapse of the country’s healthcare system since the provision of healthcare services is a devolved function.
“We actually have the best medics in the world. We have the best midwives, nurses and gynecologists. Why would a governor go seeking maternity services abroad? It is absurd,” said Dr Atellah.
Ms Janet Mkenya, a youth leader in Nakuru, condemned leaders who seek medical treatment abroad, terming it “health tourism.”
“It shows the Governor doesn’t trust the healthcare system back home. How can she tell mothers in Nakuru to trust maternity hospitals in the county, when she herself doesn’t seek treatment there?” wondered Ms Mkenya.
Ms Mary Wambui, a resident of the Whitehouse estate in Nakuru, said Kenyan leaders seeking treatment abroad reflects poorly and shows a lack of trust in local facilities.
“A significant portion of the medical trips abroad by politicians is funded by taxpayers’ money. Instead of strengthening the local healthcare system, they have left Kenyans to fend for themselves,” Ms Wambui told Nation.
Naivasha East Member of County Assembly Stanley Karanja also delved into the debate saying: “Leaders who travel for treatment often receive state sponsored medical allowances, insurance, or direct funding from government budgets—draining public resources that could otherwise be invested in upgrading local hospitals.”
In response to the viral clip of Governor Kihika, Kenyans are calling for reforms including legislation to ban public officials from seeking treatment abroad using taxpayers’ money unless local facilities are deemed incapable of handling their cases.
“We must push for a law banning leaders from seeking healthcare services abroad. It is long overdue,” posted Mr Dominic Onchuria on X.
Two months ago, while criticisng Governor Kihika’s choice to travel abroad for maternity services, Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja revealed that she was drafting a Bill to ban Kenya’s political elite from seeking treatment abroad.
In a statement, Senator Karanja said her Bill would address the lack of medicine and modern equipment in local hospitals and stop leaders from seeking treatment abroad.
“We need to use our taxes to build and equip hospitals, roads, and schools for all Kenyans,” said Senator Karanja.
Governor Kihika returned home in mid-April after spending about five months abroad on maternity leave. She gave birth to twins.
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