Richard Lesiyampe Leserien has announced that he will not run in the Samburu gubernatorial race in the upcoming elections.

Lesiyampe, who recently returned to the Kenyan National Hospital (KNH) as acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), made the announcement this Sunday, August 31, 2025, through his official X page.

In the letter addressed to his supporters and friends, the public administrator underscored that his decision was based on a personal conviction and a belief that leadership is about service, not titles.

Decision not to vie

“After deep reflection and consultation with those I trust, I have made the decision not to vie for the Samburu gubernatorial seat. Politics, for me, has never been about titles or positions; it has always been about service to the people and to the values we hold dear,” his statement read.

“When you choose not to contest, you give others the chance to rise, and that too is leadership. This is not the end of my service; it is simply the closing of one chapter and the opening of another.”

“History does not only remember those who win elections but also those who serve with humility, integrity, and compassion,” he concluded.

Lesiyampe also expressed gratitude to his supporters who have been waiting for his decision and wished the best to the politicians who will be contesting the position.

Grateful

“I remain deeply grateful to all who supported me for the gubernatorial position in 2022, those who continue to stand with me, and the many who had come on board in anticipation of 2027,” he added.

“To the contestants of the Samburu gubernatorial seat 2027, I extend my respect and goodwill as you continue with this journey,” he stated.

His announcement comes weeks after he was appointed the acting Chief Executive Officer of Kenyatta National Hospital on August 18, 2025.

Health CS Aden Duale announced the transfer as part of a wider set of leadership changes intended to strengthen governance and service delivery at the country’s largest referral and teaching hospital.

Before his transfer to Kenyatta National Hospital, he was serving as Acting Chief Executive at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).

In the political arena, he tried his ambitions in the 2022 general elections, contesting the gubernatorial seat on a Jubilee Party ticket, which he lost to United Democratic Alliance’s governor, Jonathan Lati Leleliit.