Former Interior CS Joseph ole Lenku is at loggerheads with Jubilee MCAs, who accuse him of allegedly using state resources to campaign for the Kajiado governor seat.
Yesterday, the MCAs told the Star that Lenku's security detail should be probed. They were led by Kajiado assembly deputy speaker George Sunkuyia, Onesmus Ngogoyo (Olkeri), Justus Ngussur (Ewuaso) and Mwathe Pere (Ongata Rongai).
The four said Lenku has been traversing the county with "huge security detail”, complete with chase cars, yet he is not a state officer.
The MCAs said they are concerned by the high number of armed police officers in his political rallies.
They dismissed claims making rounds around the county alleging President Uhuru Kenyatta had endorsed Lenku as the sole Jubilee candidate next year.
Through his aide Daniel Kanchori, Lenku denied the allegations. He said he is not using any state resources in his campaigns and has no government security attached to him.
Kanchori, who is also the Oloosirkon MCA, said the former CS has no chase cars, armed uniformed police or government cars in his security detail.
“What is happening is that every time Lenku has public rallies on his meet-the-people-tour, he requests for security like other politicians. There is nothing wrong with that,” he said.
But Sunkuyia claimed Lenku is using government security to intimidate other politicians in Jubilee and make them believe he has the blessing of the President.
“Lenku is moving all over telling people he is the preferred JAP candidate. When was he endorsed and where was it done? He is misusing the name of the President in bad light,” he said.
The MCAs now want Interior CS Joseph Nkaissery to investigate Lenku’s security detail.
They said Lenku should not have an added advantage over the other candidates, who have declared interest in the governor's seat.
“How can he drive around with sirens on and armed police officers in chase cars? This is intimidation of the highest order, because he wants to prove to others he is closer to the President,” Sunkuyia said.
Defending Lenku, Kanchori said former Internal Security minister George Saitoti's property and grave are still being guarded by armed officers.
“What is wrong if Lenku requests for security to escort him around and pay for the services?” Kanchori asked.
Ngussur also accused Lenku of propagating tribalism in his campaigns.
Ngogoyo said it is wrong for Lenku to draw tribal lines to achieve his political agenda.
Currently several politicians have indicated they will be run for Kajiado governor.
They include Samuel Kanar, George Kagotho, Daniel Nina and Governor David Nkedianye.
Attempts to get Lenku's comment were unsuccessful as his phone remained switched off the entire day.
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Joseph Jama ole Lenku was born on October 20, 1970. Lenku comes from Loitokitok in Kajiado South subcounty. Lenku graduated from the University of Nairobi with Masters of Science Administration in strategic management and Bachelor of Commerce in marketing. He has worked in different management positions in various hotels in Kenya and Tanzania. On 23 May 2013, he was appointed the Interior CS. During his first year in office, Lenku steered significant reforms in the security sector, including a crackdown on drug trafficking, reforms of the police force and increase in its budget and devolution of security. In the wake of the terrorist attack on the Westagete Mall on September 2013, Lenku spearheaded the rolling out of a new security framework known as Nyumba Kumi initiative.
Lenku's appointment came as Kenya was transitioning to a new constitutional dispensation as well as a devolved government.
On June 17, 2014, Lenku dismissed calls for his resignation by the opposition and civil society led by the Law Society of Kenya.
On June 25, 2014, Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura gave a notice of the motion to impeach Lenku.
Following repeated al Shabaab attacks in the country, Lenku was dropped from his post on December 2, 2014. Joseph Nkaissery replaced him.