Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku faced a humiliating reception at a public event after President William Ruto introduced his political rival, State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito, to the crowd.
The hostile gathering immediately turned on the governor, heckling him and loudly demanding that Metito address them instead.
The dramatic scene unfolded as Lenku attempted to speak, only to be drowned out by chants and jeers from an audience that had clearly been swayed by Metito’s growing political influence in the region.
The crowd’s rejection was swift and unequivocal a significant embarrassment for a governor who has served Kajiado for two terms.
This public snubbing comes amid deepening political turmoil in Kajiado County, where Lenku has been locked in an escalating feud with Metito.
The governor recently threatened to lead a mass walkout from the Orange Democratic Movement, accusing party officials of campaigning for Metito who is not seeking the gubernatorial seat on an ODM ticket.
Lenku’s deputy, Martin Moshisho, is seeking the ODM nomination for governor in 2027.
“We are still awaiting an apology from Oburu… ODM will be banned in Kajiado,” Lenku declared, referring to ODM acting party leader Oburu Oginga.
He accused unnamed individuals of using money to weaken the party, warning that ODM risked losing its foothold in the county.
The tensions have been further inflamed by a bitter Sh16 million defamation feud between Lenku and Metito over a local journalist.
Metito, a key ally of President Ruto, has also been accused by Lenku of giving handouts to ODM members to join other parties.
The crowd’s demand for Metito over Lenku reflects a significant political realignment in Kajiado, where several leaders have recently defected to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the governor’s political future and ODM’s presence in the county appears increasingly uncertain.