As the 2027 elections approach, Kajiado is shaping up for another competitive gubernatorial contest with prominent figures seeking to occupy the county’s executive office. Joseph Ole Lenku is serving his second and final term as governor and therefore will not be on the ballot.
Among those in the race is State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito, a former Kajiado South MP, who has the advantage of having previously contested the gubernatorial seat. In 2022, he came close to unseating incumbent Joseph Ole Lenku, garnering 111,725 votes against Lenku’s 117,600. The narrow margin demonstrated his countywide electoral appeal.
However, the 2027 contest presents a different political landscape, with several aspirants positioning themselves for the coveted seat. Among those associated with the emerging race are former Kajiado East MP Peris Tobiko, Senator Samuel Ole Seki, Deputy Governor Martin Moshisho, former governor David Nkedianye and Tarayia Ole Kores.
Each aspirant brings a different political network, constituency of support and leadership proposition. Beyond party politics, the Maasai leadership factor is likely to feature prominently in determining the direction of the contest. Kajiado’s political landscape is deeply intertwined with Maa cultural identity, age-set institutions, clan relationships and questions of community representation.
Although the county has a substantial population of other communities, Maasai political influence remains an important consideration in the electoral calculus.
