Kajiado Senator Ledama Ole Kina has publicly challenged Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, offering his support for State House Comptroller Latoo Ole Metito as the next Governor of Kajiado. Lenku, who is currently in his final term, is reportedly backing a different candidate than Metito, whom Ledama has endorsed. This has sparked notable tensions within Kajiado’s political sphere, with the central issue being control over the Maasai community’s leadership and the influential figure who will hold sway within it.
Recent reports suggest that Ledama’s political campaign is financially supported by both Metito and State House. Furthermore, there has been an observable surge in political manoeuvring within Maasai politics, where clan affiliation remains a pivotal factor in determining electoral outcomes.
Senator Ledama Ole Kina’s endorsement of Latoo Ole Metito as the broad-based flag bearer for the Kajiado gubernatorial race in 2027 signifies a clear rift with Governor Lenku, who also appears to be distancing himself from the ODM party that had previously supported him.
Political analysts indicate that both Raila Odinga, leader of ODM, and President William Ruto are allegedly backing the alliance between Ledama and Metito. In the most recent general elections, Kajiado and Narok counties played a crucial role in supporting Azimio and its presidential candidate.
Ruto’s political strategy appears focused on utilizing every possible approach to solidify his presence in the two counties, advancing his interests and securing them as a foundation for his political influence.
According to Ruto’s close associates, the Maasai community needs to remain aligned with the UDA and resist any efforts by Lenku to establish a Maa-aligned political party. Initially, there were speculations that Raila might have played a role in the formation of the Maa party as a competitor to the UDA, which is reportedly gaining significant backing in Kajiado and Narok.
It is believed that Lenku may be working with other political figures in Kajiado County to diminish the influence of both ODM and UDA in the region. Lenku, who had initially sought to distance himself from Raila, is now attempting to align with Ruto in hopes of securing a ministerial position in 2027, drawing confidence from his past tenure as a Cabinet Secretary in the Jubilee Government.
Political analysts in the Maa region suggest that Metito views the potential establishment of a new party by Lenku as a direct threat to his own political standing.
