The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Olekina said he holds Kalonzo in high regard, having worked alongside him in the opposition for several years, but believes the former Vice-President should reconsider his political strategy and join the government’s camp.
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Speaking during Citizen TV’s Sunday Live programme, the senator expressed hope that Kalonzo would eventually align himself with the ruling administration to support Ruto in completing his second term.
Olekina disclosed that although he had not personally contacted Kalonzo about the matter, he intended to reach out and persuade him to work with the government.
He dismissed Kalonzo’s chances of ascending to the presidency, saying cooperation with Ruto would provide an opportunity to advance the country’s development agenda.
The senator also took aim at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, questioning his suitability to lead the opposition following his impeachment from office.
“You cannot be led by someone who has been impeached,” Olekina said, arguing that Gachagua was not in a strong position to offer political leadership.
He further accused Gachagua of expecting unquestioning loyalty from those aligned with him.
Olekina’s remarks come amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election, particularly following the cooperation agreement between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The Narok senator, who previously criticised Ruto’s administration, attributed his change of political position partly to the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, whom he credited with persuading him and other Maasai leaders to support cooperation with the government.
He recalled that before the agreement was signed at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Raila visited his home and asked him to mobilise approximately 300 Maasai leaders from Kajiado, Nakuru and Narok counties for consultations.
According to Olekina, Raila explained that his decision to work with Ruto was driven by the need to unite the country and create opportunities for development.
The senator said those who attended the consultations eventually agreed to support the arrangement.
He also pointed to infrastructure projects in Narok County as evidence of the benefits of working with the national government.
Olekina cited the construction of tarmac roads in Leshota towards the Kenya-Tanzania border, saying cooperation with the President had helped his constituents secure development projects.
He maintained that his political decisions would be guided by the government’s willingness to deliver development to his people, arguing that the national administration controls the implementation of the country’s budget.
“When you decide to be intentional about the development of my people, then you become my business,” he said.
His latest remarks mark a shift from his earlier criticism of the President. In September 2025, Olekina criticised State House lunches and presidential county visits, describing them as wasteful expenditure that did little to address unemployment or infrastructure challenges.
At the time, he urged Ruto to suspend county visits and State House lunches for 100 days and replace them with digital town hall meetings.
The senator’s latest position signals his growing support for the political cooperation between the ruling administration and leaders who were previously in the opposition.
