Samburu’s political rivalry has intensified after ODM nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian declined to apologise or withdraw claims that her life is in danger, despite a demand letter from Narok South MP Steve Ltumbesi.
Through her lawyers, Danstan Omari & Associates Advocates and Martina Swiga, the senator dismissed the letter as misleading, malicious and politically motivated. Speaking through her legal team at Milimani Law Courts, Hezena said she had reported threatening messages in which Ltumbesi was allegedly named and linked to a specific phone number, insisting she acted purely in the interest of her personal safety.
Her lawyers argued that the senator neither authored nor fabricated the messages and that the matter is currently under active investigation by relevant authorities. They warned that any attempts to intimidate, gag or interfere with the process would amount to unlawful obstruction of justice.
Omari further claimed that Ltumbesi’s actions were driven by political jealousy, alleging that the late opposition leader Raila Odinga played a key role in supporting Hezena’s nomination. The legal team added that the senator remains fully eligible to seek any elective position and rejected all demands contained in the MP’s letter.
The lawyers also framed the attacks against Hezena as gender-based and discriminatory, saying they lacked legal merit and reflected broader challenges faced by women in leadership. They warned that continued harassment or defamatory publications could trigger legal action.
In response, Ltumbesi addressed the media on Tuesday, denying all allegations and distancing himself from any threats against the senator. He dismissed claims that he was working to undermine women leaders in the region, stating that his name was being used for political gain and to boost Hezena’s public profile.
The standoff has drawn attention to rising political tensions in Samburu, with observers noting that the dispute underscores the fragile nature of political discourse and the growing role of legal action in managing rivalries.
As investigations continue, both sides remain entrenched, with no signs of reconciliation. The unfolding situation highlights the broader challenges of political competition, personal safety and gender dynamics in Kenya’s evolving leadership landscape.
