Governor Ole Lenku affirms loyalty to ODM despite his association with Ruto
By Wycliffe Nyamasege, October 22, 2023
Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku on Sunday, October 22, 2023, affirmed his loyalty to the ODM party despite recent political dalliance with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
Speaking during a church service in Kajiado, attended by ODM party leader Raila Odinga and high-ranking leaders in the opposition’s Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition, Ole Lenku said he was a proud member of the ODM party, on whose ticket he was re-elected county boss in last year’s polls.
“I’m very proud to be an ODM governor and member of Azimio la Umoja. We have no shame because it is the truth,” Ole Lenku stated.
The second-term governor also seized the moment to heap praise on Raila and Azimio co-principals Martha Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka for their role in his poll victory.
“Our coalition contributed a lot to my re-election and I thank Raila Odinga, Karua and Kalonzo for campaigning for me. I am happy to associate with you,” the governor added.
Ole Lenku is among a section of Azimio governors who have pledged to work with Ruto’s government for the benefit of their counties, despite criticism from big shots in the opposition coalition.
Ole Lenku, Ruto ties
In January this year, the governor said the ‘past is behind us’ as he declared support for Ruto’s administration, which was at the time under strong opposition from Raila and his camp over alleged electoral fraud.
“We will join other Kenyans as the Maa nation to work with your government…this the time to build the country,” the governor declared at the William Ole Ntimama Stadium in Narok where Ruto and his allies were leading thanksgiving prayers.
Speaking during an interview with a local radio station a few days after the event, the governor also appeared to criticize Raila’s calls for mass action to protest against the cost of living and electoral injustices.
“Sometimes I do not understand my boss (Raila). Maybe, in the long run, mass action can solve issues. But until then the focus should be on addressing the challenges mutually. There is a procedure for addressing any arising dispute through the court because we are not a lawless country. We already have a serious crisis because of drought and harsh economic times. Every leader should follow the law,” he said.