Samburu Senator Lelegwe Ltumbesi has dismissed allegations by the nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian linking him to an alleged plot to harm her, terming the claims reckless, false, and defamatory.
In a press statement, Ltumbesi said he was shocked by a video circulating online in which Sen. Lemaletian accused him of orchestrating violence against her.
“I have watched with deep concern the video circulating online in which Sen. Hezena Lemaitian makes grave allegations against me, including claims that I allegedly sent goons to harm her.”
The senator strongly denied the accusations, saying they were unfounded and damaging, particularly coming from a fellow legislator.
“I am utterly shocked and disturbed by these unfounded allegations, which falsely portray me as someone capable of orchestrating violence against a fellow legislator.”
He added that the claims were irresponsible and ignored the weight carried by public statements made by leaders.
“These assertions are not only untrue but also careless and defamatory, particularly when they come from a leader who is aware of the importance and ramifications of public remarks.”
Ltumbesi stated that he has never had any personal or political relationship with Sen. Lemaletian that could justify the allegations.
“Since she was elected to the Senate, we have never had any kind of private or social interaction, nor have we sat in any social gathering.”
He said the only times he could recall seeing her were briefly during public events.
“I only remember seeing her briefly in the recent past during the Maasai Cultural Week in Kajiado in November and later on January 24 in Maralal, Samburu, during a burial, where I offered condolences and quickly left to attend other official commitments.”
The Samburu Senator further noted that Sen. Lemaletian herself had publicly acknowledged that there had never been any confrontation between them.
He said he had never engaged her in any form of political rivalry or discourse.
“As she herself has publicly acknowledged, we have never had any confrontation, argument, or disagreement. I have never mentioned her name in my political discourse, questioned her ambitions, or engaged her in any political rivalry.”
Ltumbesi said there was no motive or history to support the accusations being made.
In reference to his political background, the senator stated that he has always engaged in nonviolent politics.
“There has been no motive, no history, and no basis whatsoever for the allegations she now advances. Throughout my political life and across my two senatorial campaigns, I have consistently engaged in peaceful, issue-based, and cordial politics.”
He cited the 2017 and 2022 senatorial elections as evidence, saying they were conducted peacefully despite multiple contestants.
“These elections were conducted peacefully, and I continue to maintain good relations with my former competitors to date.”
On speculation surrounding the 2027 elections, Ltumbesi said he has not declared any intention to vie for the Senate seat. He said his current focus remains on serving Samburu residents.
“I have not made any declaration to contest the Senate seat in 2027. I am currently focused solely on executing my constitutional mandate as the serving Senator for Samburu.”
