Ruto's Kajiado tour sparks political row as Lenku allies cry foul
Politics
By
Peterson Githaiga
| Sep 08, 2026
President William Ruto and Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku during the launch of the construction of Ngong Stadium Loop road on September 7, 2026. [Peterson Githaiga, Standard]
President William Ruto’s three-day development tour of Kajiado County has sparked controversy, with Governor Joseph Ole Lenku’s allies claiming that it was used to undermine the governor and advance UDA politics.
Kajiado County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands and Physical Planning, Hamilton Parseina, an ally of the governor claimed that the tour was designed to embarrass and politically weaken the governor.
Parseina alleged that the booing and heckling directed at Lenku during some of the public engagements were part of calculated efforts to undermine him in the presence of the President.
READ MORE
NCBA marks 100-branch milestone with Ruiru outlet
Market mismatch: Kenya spends millions on spoilage as nutrition shortfall widens
South African firm targets new East African markets after Makini school takeover
New funding model connects over 1,000 households to electricity
Firm bolsters East Africa's tech hub with data centre
China's strategic role in global fisheries governance
Canada's counter-tariffs take effect on various US goods
China's trade booms as focus turns to expected Trump-Xi summit
“The booing and shaming of Governor Lenku in the presence of the President was a calculated move meant to undermine him politically,” he said.
He, however, lauded the governor for exercising restraint throughout the tour despite what he described as deliberate provocations from sections of the crowds.
Parseina said Lenku, who also serves as the Maa spokesperson, demonstrated leadership by maintaining composure during the interruption of his address by the crowd.
“We commend Governor Lenku for remaining calm and maintaining decorum throughout the tour despite the provocations and interruptions. He acted in the best interests of the people of Kajiado,” he said.
The CECM further alleged that the hostile crowd was brought in from neighbouring counties.
“The people who were chanting and booing were largely hired crowds from neighbouring counties. They did not represent the views of the people of Kajiado,” Parseina claimed.
He also raised concerns over what he described as intimidation and harassment of senior county government officials during the presidential tour.
Parseina claimed that some county officials were arrested during the visit and later released without charges being preferred against them.
“There was intimidation and harassment of senior county officials. Some were arrested and later released without any charges being preferred against them. This raises serious questions that need to be addressed,” he said.
Parseina called on President Ruto to intervene in the long-running Keekonyokie Community Land controversy, saying the community has waited for justice and legal ownership documents for years.
“We are asking the President to intervene and help resolve the Keekonyokie Community Land issue once and for all. The people deserve justice and proper ownership documents for their ancestral land,” he said.
Despite the political tensions surrounding the visit, Governor Lenku continued to highlight what he considers key issues that will determine the political direction of the Maa community ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Among the issues he raised are the future of Tata Chemicals Magadi, the proposed handover of Amboseli National Park to the county government, and the resolution of the Kibiko land dispute.
Lenku has maintained that addressing these issues will be critical in determining how the Maa nation will vote in the next General Election.
Parseina said the county leadership would continue pushing for solutions to the issues affecting residents, regardless of political differences.
“The people of Kajiado want development, justice and the protection of their interests. These issues cannot be ignored because of politics,” he said.