Jonathan Lati Lelelit, the Governor of Samburu County, has accused a group of senators of physically assaulting him outside Parliament buildings in Nairobi, escalating tensions and raising fresh concerns about conduct within Kenya’s political leadership.
Speaking after the incident, the governor recounted his movements prior to the alleged attack, maintaining that he had formally concluded his business within the Senate before stepping out.
“I came from Samburu because I wanted to report to the Clerk. I went to the Clerk’s office, and he was satisfied. I bid him farewell and left,” Lelelit said.
He explained that he had exited Parliament and was engaging the press when the confrontation occurred.
“I was walking because I was done with the Senate, and outside the Parliament building, I met the press who were ready for me to address them, and I did what Sakaja did. I was outside Parliament,” he added.
According to the governor, the situation escalated abruptly when several senators approached him during the media address.
“When I was addressing the media outside Parliament, I met three senators—Sifuna, Eddy Oketch from Migori, the senator from Kisii, and the one from Ukambani—who came and started assaulting me,” Lelelit said.
He alleged that the attack was unprovoked and carried out from behind, leaving him momentarily disoriented.
“I wasn’t even facing Parliament. I was facing the other side and couldn’t see them coming. They started assaulting me from behind. They are cowards. They shouldn’t fight from behind. I turned without knowing what was happening,” Lelelit recounted.
The governor has called for a thorough review of available footage, urging Senate leadership to take action.
“I want the Speaker of the Senate to look at those videos keenly because we are all citizens of Kenya. I can’t fight from behind because I have no eyes at the back. Those were goons, and they have destroyed the reputation of the Senate,” he said.
He further claimed that he had approached the interaction in good faith, expecting dialogue rather than confrontation.
“I was friendly and thought we were going to have a conversation, but I realized they had no good intentions. I want Kenyans to watch the videos from beginning to the end. I didn’t mention anyone’s name,” Lelelit added.
In a direct appeal to the public, the Samburu governor questioned the conduct of elected leaders and indicated that he would pursue legal action over the matter.
“I want to ask Kenyans to understand the kind of people elected to the Senate to represent them. We must look into how the senators came to attack me. I’m going to the police station to file a case, and Kenyans should make a judgment. That is not the Senate of Kenya. That was childish, and Kenyans must judge,” he said.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, he ruled out seeking redress through internal Senate mechanisms, citing safety concerns.
“I will not file any complaints with Senate leadership, and I will not go to the Senate again because my life is in danger. The Senate must guarantee my safety,” he said.
The governor also issued a strong warning to those he accused, insisting he was not intimidated.
“There is nothing that can scare me in this world. You should not have done that. Look for me, and I will let you know where I am. I could not have done what you did, but I am ready to face the three of you. What you did is unforgivable. The Senate of Kenya is a sacred place, and I don’t want to fight in the Senate,” Lelelit said.
The incident is likely to intensify scrutiny on conduct within Parliament, with calls expected for investigations and possible disciplinary action against those implicated.
