Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku and State House Comptroller Katoo ole Metito are engaged in a fierce political battle over Sh5 million in compensation for the families of 12 victims of a recent Nithi Bridge accident.
The conflict began over funeral contributions for the victims, who were residents of Ong’ata Rongai in Kajiado North.
Katoo criticized Lenku’s comment that the Sh5 million donation was “exorbitant,” calling it tribal and insensitive.
The donation included Sh2 million from President William Ruto to assist the families during their time of mourning.
Background of Ole Lenku vs Ole Metito Conflict
Ole Lenku feels bitter that Katoo used his position to solicit funds from the President’s friends, especially given Katoo’s personal contribution of Sh100,000, which may have offended Lenku.
While visiting Ewuaso Kidong in Kajiado West, Lenku accused Katoo of favoring migrants over the Maa community in Kajiado County.
The funds were meant to cover the burial costs for 20 members of the Vision Group, who died in a head-on collision while returning from Meru.
Before this political drama unfolded, supporters of Katoo stormed Kimana Police Station in Kajiado South, demanding title deeds.
In the chaos, a safe containing important documents was stolen. This safe had previously been targeted at Paran Resort in Kimana, where the group ranch’s head office is located.
After being moved to the police station for security, it was raided again and later found at a ranch in Chyulu Hills.
Daniel Metui, the chairman of the Imbirikani Group Ranch, has longstanding ties with Ole Lenku.
In 2022, he influenced members to vote against Katoo, which created animosity between the two political figures.
Katoo is now supporting Konee Kinyaku, leader of a splinter group, to take control of the ranch, backed by powerful forces in Ruto’s administration.
As Katoo fights against Ole Lenku, the governor has support from several local leaders, including Senator Samuel Seki and nominated Senator Peris Tobiko.
They claim Katoo backs their rivals for the upcoming 2027 elections. This rivalry has even reached the courts, with Kajiado Chief Magistrate Roseline Ongayo ruling to maintain the status quo after Konee’s camp raised concerns.
Title Deeds Controversy
Questions linger over whether Katoo was behind the title deeds scandal or if Ole Lenku used it to undermine him. Speculation suggests that influential individuals may want to seize control of the large ranch through Katoo.
During the 2022 general elections, Ole Lenku won a second term, defeating Katoo and former governor David Nkedianye.
Ole Lenku received 117,600 votes, largely from rural areas, while Katoo garnered 111,725 votes in Kajiado South.
Despite the political tensions, the High Court upheld Ole Lenku’s election, citing insufficient evidence from the opposing petition.
As Ole Lenku serves his second and final term, he is focused on succession planning, much to Katoo’s dismay, as Katoo prepares for another bid for the governor’s seat.
