Governor Ole Lenku to Lead Harambee for Journalist Hit With Ksh16 Million Court Penalty in Explosive State House Defamation Case
A political storm is brewing in Kajiado after Governor Joseph Ole Lenku announced plans to spearhead a public fundraising drive for a local journalist ordered by the court to pay Ksh16 million in damages to State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito.
The dramatic intervention comes amid growing tensions between the two influential Kajiado leaders, with the case now escalating beyond a legal battle into a political and cultural confrontation.
Speaking outside his office on Wednesday, May 27, Governor Lenku revealed that the journalist’s family had already begun selling ancestral land in a desperate attempt to raise the colossal amount ordered by the court.
According to the governor, the situation had become unbearable for the family, forcing local leaders and community members to organize a Harambee fundraiser scheduled for Friday, May 29.
“Today I received a report on the preparations for that Harambee event. The family is ready, and different groups have already started contributing goats, sheep and some money to help save the child,” Lenku said.
The governor further declared that the county leadership would stand firmly with the journalist, arguing that the punishment imposed was excessive and inconsistent with traditional Maasai methods of resolving disputes.
“We will stand with this family and this young man to show that the path taken is not in line with our traditions,” he added.
The controversy stems from a social media post allegedly published by the journalist concerning Metito, which the State House official described as defamatory before moving to court.
A court in Ngong subsequently ruled in Metito’s favour, ordering the journalist to pay Ksh16 million — a figure that has sparked outrage and emotional debate within sections of the Kajiado community.
Lenku urged the family to immediately stop selling their land, promising that the county, together with well-wishers, would mobilise support to settle the court award.
The governor’s remarks have since ignited sharp reactions online, with critics accusing political leaders of turning a court ruling into a public spectacle, while supporters insist the punishment could financially destroy an entire family.
But in a swift response, Metito defended the court process and dismissed claims that the funds were intended for personal enrichment.
In a strongly worded statement shared on social media, the State House Comptroller insisted that all money raised would be deposited directly through the court system and not into his personal accounts.
“Absolutely no portion of these funds will go to my pocket or personal benefit; the money will go entirely back to the people where it came from,” Metito stated.
He further claimed the funds would instead be redirected toward community development initiatives targeting water shortages, healthcare challenges and education gaps in Kajiado County.
“I will designate these funds entirely to substantial community projects to address severe deficits in health, water supply and basic education caused by nine years of Kajiado County’s administrative mismanagement,” he added.
The public exchange now threatens to deepen the already deteriorating relationship between Lenku and Metito, who is widely reported to be preparing a gubernatorial bid in Kajiado ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Political observers say the latest fallout could mark the beginning of an intense supremacy battle in the county as rival camps position themselves for the high-stakes contest.
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