Governor Ole Lenku: We will shut ODM in Kajiado over party betrayal
Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has warned that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) could lose its foothold in Kajiado if the party continues what he described as betrayal of its supporters and attempts to promote candidates outside the party. Lenku, who is serving his final term as Kajiado governor and has declared his intention to […]
Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has threatened to prevent the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) from maintaining its presence in Kajiado if the party continues to betray its supporters and supports candidates outside the party. Speaking on Saturday, August 22, 2026, Lenku, who is set to serve his final term as governor and plans to run for the Kajiado Senate seat in the 2027 General Election, also recommended his deputy Martin Moshisho to vie for the ODM gubernatorial ticket.
The governor accused ODM officials of campaigning for State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito, a candidate who did not seek the Kajiado governorship on an ODM ticket. Lenku expressed frustration, stating that ODM supporters in Kajiado were eagerly awaiting an apology from the party leadership. He and his supporters are calling for ODM acting party leader Oburu Oginga to address the issue and demand an apology.
Lenku also accused unidentified individuals in Kajiado of attempting to weaken the ODM by using money to do so. The governor's remarks come as political competition intensifies in Kajiado, with several leaders shifting allegiances ahead of the 2027 elections. On August 10, 2026, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua revealed that 10 Kajiado leaders had joined his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), including ODM MCAs Isaac Kiresian, Joseph Torris, and Edward Lemomo.
Several UDA leaders, such as Titus Matheka and John Maina Mutiga, also defected to DCP. Lenku dismissed these defections, warning that ODM would face difficulties in Kajiado if the party persisted in its actions. He defended his record in boosting ODM's support in the county, attributing the growth to the late former ODM leader Raila Odinga's influence while acknowledging the significant contribution of Kajiado supporters.
Lenku's comments reveal the emerging struggle for the ODM ticket in Kajiado as Governor Lenku prepares to step down after two terms and Moshisho aims to succeed him in the ODM primary for the 2027 gubernatorial race.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
