Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika faced an embarrassing moment during the ceremonial launch of a community water tap project in rural Nakuru when the taps she unveiled produced no water, sparking ridicule and questions about county planning.
The incident, captured in a viral video, unfolded before residents and media, amplifying scrutiny of Kihika’s administration amid ongoing controversies over her leadership and prolonged absences.
The event was meant to highlight Kihika’s commitment to improving water access, a persistent challenge in Nakuru’s rural areas. In the video, a local woman shared her struggles with long treks for water, setting the stage for Kihika’s symbolic gesture.
As cameras rolled, the governor invited the resident to join her in turning on the tap, expecting a triumphant flow. Instead, the tap remained dry, prompting Kihika to mutter “imekataa” (it’s refusing) as her aides scrambled unsuccessfully to fix it.
People questioned the project’s oversight, citing the Auditor General’s 2023/4 report flagging stalled projects worth KSh 7.8 billion, including an incomplete KSh 1 million toilet.
Critics linked the fiasco to broader mismanagement, with 63% of county funds misallocated, per a 2022 study.
Kihika, the first female governor of Nakuru, has faced mounting criticism since her 2022 election. Her five-month maternity leave in the U.S., ending in April 2025, drew ire for perceived neglect of duties, with residents like activist Evans Kimori demanding accountability.
The dry taps incident further fuelled perceptions of disconnect, especially after Kihika’s controversial remarks about seeking U.S. maternity care to avoid local doctors “mentally undressing” her.
Susan Kihika Launches Dry Taps pic.twitter.com/pnD6A4FVIr
— The Nairobi Times (@TheNairobiTimez) September 26, 2025
Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja, a vocal critic, called the incident “a reflection of failed promises.” However, Deputy Governor David Kones defended Kihika, blaming technical issues and urging patience.
The county later issued a statement claiming the taps were fixed post-event, but public trust remains shaky. As Nakuru grapples with water scarcity affecting 42% of its rural population, the dry taps saga shows the urgency for transparent, effective governance.