A tense moment was captured on video at the Maa Cultural and Tourism Festival held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Sekenani in Narok County. The incident involved Nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian and Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, who appeared to have a brief confrontation during the event. The footage shows Lemaletian standing her ground as Olekina reaches towards her microphone while she delivers a politically charged address in the presence of President William Ruto.
The clash occurred during Lemaletian's address, where she highlighted growing divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). She used a humorous basket analogy to explain the alleged differences between influential party leaders and those with less political influence. Lemaletian stated that President Ruto had inherited an ODM leadership structure with some members being favoured over others, saying, "Your Excellency, you inherited a basket full of ODM leaders. Hiyo basket imekuwa na watoto wa nono na watoto wa konde. Wale wanono wamekanyanga wakonde vichwa, basket imetoboka."
Lemaletian's remarks drew laughter and cheers from sections of the crowd, suggesting that powerful individuals within the party were dominating its leadership while marginalising other members. She warned President Ruto that there were problems within his administration, urging him to pay attention to concerns not being openly communicated to him. It was shortly after these remarks that the viral footage captured Olekina appearing to reach for her microphone as she continued speaking.
Despite the brief interaction, Lemaletian maintained her position at the microphone, and the incident added an unexpected moment of drama to the festival. The event had brought together national and local leaders, with President Ruto in attendance. Earlier, security officers from the Presidential Escort Unit and the General Service Unit moved in to reinforce protection around the Head of State after rival groups clashed as President William Ruto arrived at the venue.
The confrontation involved supporters allied to Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo and Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu, turning the cultural gathering into a scene of confusion. Videos circulating on social media showed attendees fleeing as chairs were thrown near the main dais, leaving several scattered and damaged on the ground. Images and videos from the event showed GSU officers forming a security cordon around Ruto as he attended the celebrations.
The festival subsequently resumed, although the confrontation had briefly overshadowed the cultural celebrations. The colourful festival continued after security officers restored calm, with Ruto remaining at the event. The incident added to the drama of the day, making it a notable moment from the political gathering.
Key points
- The incident involved a confrontation between Nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian and Narok Senator Ledama Olekina during the Maa Cultural and Tourism Festival in Narok County.
- Lemaletian had used her address to highlight growing divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), employing a humorous basket analogy to explain the alleged differences between influential party leaders and those with less political influence.
- The festival resumed after security officers restored calm, with President Ruto remaining at the event despite the confrontation.
