Kajiado Governor Joseph Olelenku Condemns Violence Against Samburu Governor in Senate

Kajiado Governor Joseph Olelenku has expressed strong condemnation over the recent violent incident in the Senate, where Senators reportedly engaged physically with Samburu Governor Jonathan Lati Lelelit during a session intended for accountability.

In a statement, Governor Olelenku, speaking on behalf of the Maa Nation, described the attack as dishonorable and driven by personal grudges rather than legitimate accountability concerns. “As the Maa Nation, we are perturbed by the dishonorable incident within the Senate precincts that captured Honourable Senators turning physical against my brother, His Excellency, Jonathan Lati Lelelit, the Governor of Samburu County,” he said.

Governor Olelenku noted that the Samburu Governor has consistently appeared before Senate committees to address issues raised by various accountability agencies, stressing that there is an ongoing, unresolved dispute between the Senate and the Council of Governors (COG) regarding the modalities for governors’ appearances before accountability bodies.

“This is an incident that is driven more by personal grudges rather than a compelling need to put the Governor to accountability by the Honourable Senators, which he has severally strived to address in earlier appearances,” Olelenku added.

He further emphasized that the people of Samburu County and the wider Maa community deserve respect for their leaders, calling on not only Senators but all government agencies interacting with County Governments to uphold the dignity and mandate of elected county leaders. “Be it as it may, Honourable Lati, the people of Samburu, and indeed, the people of the Maa Nation, deserve and hereby demand respect for their leaders, not only by the Senate, but by all Government agencies whose mandates are related to the functions of County Governments,” he affirmed.

The statement comes amid heightened tensions between some county governors and parliamentary oversight bodies, highlighting ongoing debates on governance, accountability, and the balance of power between national and county governments in Kenya.

Governor Olelenku’s condemnation signals solidarity with Governor Lati and underscores the need for civility, respect, and adherence to institutional protocols in addressing accountability matters in Kenya’s devolved system of governance.