NAIROBI, Kenya – Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has fired a political salvo at two-term governors seeking to transition to the Senate, labelling them ‘thieves masquerading as leaders’.
In a stinging critique of accountability at the county level, Ledama asserted that governors who have ignored auditor-general warnings and “looted” counties have no place in the Senate.
“Thieves masquerading as leaders: Two-term governors who’ve looted counties and ignored Auditor-General warnings have no place in the Senate,” he said.
“This travesty mocks our rule of law and betrays Kenyans. We won’t allow it. We must bar them by statute for life.”
The remarks underscore growing political tension over the reintegration of former county bosses into national politics.
As the 2027 political horizon draws closer, two gubernatorial heavyweights have so far publicly declared interest in pursuing other elective seats after county leadership.
Governors Anne Waiguru of Kirinyaga and Mutahi Kahiga of Nyeri are both in their second and final terms, and are increasingly shaping their political trajectories beyond the county level.
Kahiga has made his intentions explicit, declaring his bid for the Nyeri Senate seat in 2027 in what he describes as a response to public demand rather than personal ambition.
He has framed his shift as a “call to duty,” insisting he has “listened to the ground” and that residents want him to serve in an oversight role at the national level.
The governor argues that his decade-long experience in county leadership uniquely positions him as a “watchdog” capable of ensuring accountability in the next administration.
Waiguru, on the other hand, is pursuing a broader and more fluid political path. Her name has been floated both for the Kirinyaga Senate seat and for a possible role in national executive politics.
There is growing political speculation linking her to the 2027 deputy presidential race alongside President William Ruto, with allies pointing to her experience as a former Cabinet Secretary and Chair of the Council of Governors as evidence of her national stature.
At the same time, Waiguru has taken an increasingly vocal role in advocating for unity within the Mt. Kenya GEMA bloc, warning that internal fragmentation could weaken the region’s bargaining power in national politics.
