Ruto allies, opposition turn Lempaka burial into political battlefield

The burial of veteran Narok politician Harun Lempaka on Saturday evolved into an intense political showdown as rival camps traded blows over the future of President William Ruto's administration and the battle for power in the 2027 General Election.

What was expected to be a solemn send-off for one of Maa land's most influential political figures instead became a stage for an early contest between the opposition's emerging "Linda Mwananchi" movement and leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration, exposing the growing political fault lines shaping the country's next electoral cycle.

Leading the opposition charge were Siaya Governor James Orengo, Jubilee Secretary-General Moitalel Ole Kenta and former MP Ndolo, while the Kenya Kwanza camp was marshalled by Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu alongside Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, Narok South MP Kitilai Ole Ntutu, Bomet Woman Representative Linet Chepkorir alias Toto, Nominated Senator Joyce Korrir and former Embakasi South MP Irshadali Sumra.

The political exchanges began when Ndolo challenged Governor Ntutu to relay a message directly to President Ruto.

"My leaders James Orengo and Edwin Sifuna are preparing to take over this country. Ole Ntutu, go and tell Ruto that," Ndolo declared, drawing cheers from sections of mourners.

The remarks set the tone for a politically charged ceremony in which leaders from both camps openly campaigned for their respective political formations despite gathering to honour Lempaka's life and legacy.

When Orengo rose to speak, he blended tribute with a sharp political message, describing Lempaka as one of Kenya's unsung heroes in the struggle for democracy. He recalled the veteran politician's role during the Second Liberation movement, saying he stood alongside democracy champions such as Ken Matiba, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Masinde Muliro in the fight for constitutional reforms and political freedoms.

"In my nature, I do not like telling people what they want to hear; I tell them what they need to hear," Orengo said.

The Siaya Governor used the occasion to defend the Linda Mwananchi movement and position himself among ODM leaders who have opposed government policies, including the Finance Bill 2026/2027. He warned the Maasai community against assuming that proximity to power automatically guarantees protection of their interests.

"I know what it means to be in government. I have been there before. But being in government does not guarantee anything, particularly for the Maasai people," he said.

Orengo argued that land remains the community's most pressing concern, claiming that violations of Maasai land rights continue despite the region's political influence. He urged residents to remain vigilant and fight for their rights.

In remarks that electrified opposition supporters, Orengo declared that the campaign to make President Ruto a one-term president had already begun.

"We are in the one-term movement. By the time I return here next year, Kenya will be heading towards a new political dispensation," he said.

Jubilee Secretary-General Moitalel Ole Kenta intensified the political confrontation by dismissing claims that Narok had become a United Democratic Alliance stronghold. Responding to assertions by former MP Sumra that the county was firmly behind Kenya Kwanza, Kenta insisted that Narok remained an opposition bastion.

"Narok is not a UDA zone and it will never be a UDA zone. Maasai land has historically stood with the opposition and that position remains unchanged," Kenta said.

But  Governor Ntutu wasted no time responding, dismissing opposition ambitions as political wishful thinking and defending President Ruto's record.

"Those preparing to unseat President William Ruto in 2027 are daydreaming. If they could not remove him when Raila Odinga had the support of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, what magic do they intend to use this time?" Ntutu asked.

The governor argued that the Kenya Kwanza administration had earned public confidence through development programmes and targeted interventions across the country.

"The people of Narok have seen the fruits of this government. They have witnessed development projects and direct support from the President. As the Maasai nation in Narok, Kajiado, Samburu and Baringo, we are firmly behind President Ruto's re-election," he said.

Beyond the national political contest, the burial also provided a glimpse into the emerging battle for Narok's governorship ahead of 2027. Governor Ntutu openly challenged leaders who have expressed interest in unseating him, including Kenta, Tongoyo and former Cabinet Minister Charles Ole Sunkuli, declaring himself ready for a bruising political contest.