Susan Wakarura Kihika

Susan Wakarura Kihika is a Kenyan lawyer, politician, and the first female governor of Nakuru County. She was also among the seven female Governors that were elected in the 9 August 2022 Kenyan general election against a total 40 male governors, marking significant progress from the three female governors that had been elected in the 2017 elections.

She was elected as a senator in 2017 on the Jubilee Party as a whip. Susan held the position until the May 2020 when she was replaced by Senator Irungu Kang'ata. Prior to that, she served as the first female speaker of the Nakuru County Assembly

Kihika has been involved in community projects and charity work including supporting women groups across the county. She is a strong advocate for the rights and welfare of children, especially those living with disabilities. Kihika assumed office on 25 August 2022.

Background and education Alice, her mother, was her father's second wife. Susan attended Busara Forest View Academy in Nyahururu and Bishop Gatimu Ngandu Girls’ High School in Nyeri. She then migrated to the United States around 1992, for further education.

Career before politics Following her graduation from law school, she worked in the public service. Later she left public service and established The Kihika Law Firm in Dallas, Texas which specialized mostly in representing immigrants. In 2012, after 20 years in the United States, Kihika travelled back to Kenya. In October of the same year, Kihika took over first as the acting President and later as President replacing her predecessor Hon. Ulrika Karlsson.

On 9 August 2022, she stood to be the Nakuru County Governor and won on a UDA ticket. Susan defeated Lee Kinyanjui who was on a Jubilee Party ticket and became the first woman Governor for Nakuru County. She is commonly referred to by her county people as the "Woman of Firsts".

In July 2024, she faced sharp criticism for having to deliver from abroad. This was after her absence from county duties became public, after which it was confirmed she was on maternity leave. This was termed contrasting her philosophy of women empowerment and making healthcare for all women accessible and of high standard . She later claimed that it would have been inappropriate for her juniors to see her naked.

Family Kihika was married to Sam Mburu in a traditional wedding on 7 November 2020 in Nyahururu. The ceremony was graced by Dr. William Samoei Ruto, Kenya's president, who also took part in the dowry negotiations. In March 2025 she gave birth to twins, Jonathan and Jayden.