Samburu East parliamentary aspirant, Mr Robert Lemerketo. PHOTO/UGC.
By ABDULHAKIM SHERMAN
newshub@eyewitness.africa
Development and financial specialist, Mr Robert Lemerketo, has declared interest in the Samburu East parliamentary seat come 2027.
Mr Lemerketo in an exclusive interview said he is consulting with different stakeholders in Samburu East Constituency who include youth, women, elders, professionals, members of the civil society and elderly politicians before he announces his preferred party ticket.
“I have made up my mind to contest for the Samburu East Constituency parliamentary seat come 2027, but I am yet to resolve the issue of my preferred party ticket because I prefer to do it through public participation with voters in the constituency,” Mr Lemerketo told Eyewitness Witness Africa.
Mr Lemerketo a former immigration officer, who has also served on the board of directors of Ewaso Enyiro Development Authority and Kenya Leather Development Council said his desire to uplift the living standards of the people of Samburu East and help spur development in the area had encouraged him to contest in the 2027 general election.
Mr Lemerketo holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Jabalpur University, a master of business administration from Kenya Methodist University and a master of financial services from Anamalai University in India.
Samburu East Constituency, located in northern Kenya, presents a complex political landscape shaped by various factors beyond clan-based politics.
While clan affiliations play a significant role in electoral outcomes, several other issues influence who is elected as the area Member of Parliament (MP). This analysis delves into the socio-economic, cultural, and political dynamics that define the constituency’s electoral politics.
Samburu East has a population of approximately 77,994 people, with a gender distribution of 38,211 males and 39,782 females, and 26,794 registered voters.
Map of Samburu East Constituency. Map/Researchgate
The constituency has nine wards namely, Lodungokwe, Nairimirimo, Ngare Narok, Ngaroni, Ngilai West, Sere-Olipi, Wamba, Waso East and Waso West.
The constituency has been represented by six different Members of Parliament since 1966 who includes; John Kanite Lenaiyiarra from Longeli clan who was elected during the single party of Kanu and served between 1966 and 1969, followed by David N. Lentanya (Kanu) from Lsisikishu clan who served between 1969 and 1979 and Job Moika Kasaine Lalampaa (Kanu) from Lsisikishu clan who served between 1979 and 1988.
The Kanu dominance in Samburu East politics continued even the introduction of multi-party politics when Sammy Prisa Leshore (Kanu) from Longeli clan served between 1992 and 2007 before being ousted by Raphael Letimalo of ODM from Lukumae clan who served for one term on ODM ticket before being relected on a TNA ticket and served until 2013.
In 2017 Kanu bounced back in Samburu East politics when, Mr Lekumontare Lentoijoni J.L from the Lmasula clan was elected on the party picket (KANU) and he is the still the current area MP.
The constituency is predominantly pastoralist, with about 60 percent of the population engaged in nomadic pastoralism and another 30 percent practicing agro-pastoralism.
This reliance on livestock for livelihood makes the community vulnerable to climatic changes, resource scarcity, and economic instability. The constituency has historically been one of the poorest in Kenya, with 78 percent of its population living below the poverty line.
The local economy is heavily dependent on livestock, which is central to the cultural identity of the Samburu people. However, the ongoing challenges of drought and land degradation due to climate change have exacerbated economic hardships and led to increased migration to urban areas.
Insecurity remains a pressing issue in Samburu East, characterized by inter-communal conflicts primarily driven by competition for resources such as water and pasture.
Mr Robert Lemerketo. PHOTO/UGC.
The presence of illegal firearms has intensified these conflicts, leading to retaliatory attacks and a cycle of violence among neighboring communities. Political leaders often exploit these tensions for electoral gain, portraying themselves as protectors of their communities during election periods.
This dynamic complicates the political landscape, as candidates may be viewed through the lens of their ability to provide security and stability.
The constituency has experienced a history of political representation dominated by the Kenya African National Union (KANU) party, although there have been shifts with the introduction of multi-party politics.
The current MP, Lekumontare Lentoijoni J.L., represents KANU and hails from the Lmasula clan, reflecting the ongoing influence of clan affiliations in Samburu politics.
However, voters increasingly demand accountability and effective representation, particularly in addressing local issues such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
Voters are becoming more discerning, favouring candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to addressing these pressing needs rather than solely relying on clan loyalty.
The economic challenges faced by Samburu East residents are compounded by inadequate infrastructure and limited access to markets. Most roads are unpaved, making transportation of goods difficult and costly.
The constituency’s remoteness further isolates it from economic opportunities available in urban centers. As a result, candidates who advocate for economic development initiatives, such as improved infrastructure and access to education and healthcare, are likely to resonate with voters.
Former Samburu East MPs since 1966. Graphic/UGC.
The electorate is increasingly aware of the need for sustainable resource management, particularly in the context of climate change and its impact on pastoral livelihoods.
Cultural identity plays a significant role in the political dynamics of Samburu East. The Samburu community has strong cultural ties to their pastoralist lifestyle, which influences their political preferences.
However, there is a growing recognition of the need to include women and marginalized groups in political processes. The participation of women in politics remains low, but initiatives aimed at empowering women and promoting gender equality are gaining traction.
Candidates who advocate for inclusive governance and address gender disparities may find increased support from a more progressive electorate a development that makes politics of Samburu East Constituency to be shaped by a multitude of factors beyond clan-based politics.
Samburu East has a history of political representation dominated by various clans, notably the Longeli, Lsisikishu, and Lmasula clans. Since its establishment in 1966, the constituency has seen a succession of MPs primarily from these clans, reflecting a strong preference among voters for candidates who share their clan identity.
This trend is not unique to Samburu East but is prevalent across many regions in Kenya, where ethnic and clan affiliations often dictate political allegiance and electoral outcomes.
Clan leaders play a crucial role in mobilizing voters during elections. They often use their influence to rally support for candidates from their clans, utilizing networks of kinship and communal ties to ensure high voter turnout.
This mobilization is frequently accompanied by promises of patronage, where elected officials are expected to distribute resources and benefits to their clans.
Mr Robert Lemerketo during a school function in Samburu East. PHOTO/UGC.
Such practices create a cycle of dependency and reinforce clan loyalty, making it challenging for candidates from outside the dominant clan to gain traction.
While clan politics remains influential, the advent of multiparty politics has introduced new dynamics. Candidates are increasingly required to appeal to broader constituencies beyond their clan, particularly in the context of national party affiliations.
This shift has led to the emergence of regional political alliances that can sometimes override clan loyalties. However, the underlying clan affiliations still play a significant role in shaping these alliances, often determining the success of candidates in securing party nominations and support during elections.
Insecurity remains a pressing issue in Samburu East, characterized by inter-communal conflicts primarily driven by competition for resources such as water and pasture.
The presence of illegal firearms has intensified these conflicts, leading to retaliatory attacks and a cycle of violence among neighboring communities. Political leaders often exploit these tensions for electoral gain, portraying themselves as protectors of their communities during election periods.
This dynamic complicates the political landscape, as candidates may be viewed through the lens of their ability to provide security and stability.
Several historical events have significantly impacted ethnic voting patterns in Samburu East, shaping the political landscape and influencing electoral outcomes.
These events highlight the interplay between ethnic identities, political mobilization, and communal conflicts, which have collectively reinforced ethnic cleavages in the constituency.
The struggle for scarce resources, particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions of Samburu East, has historically influenced ethnic voting patterns.
Competition over water and pasture has often led to conflicts between the Samburu and Turkana communities, reinforcing negative perceptions of the “other.”
This competition has made voters more inclined to support candidates from their own ethnic groups, who they believe will prioritize their community’s interests in resource allocation and conflict resolution.
Votes garnered by the current Samburu East MP, Lekumontare Lentoijoni J.L during the 2022 general election. Graph/UGC.
Marginalization and historical grievances related to resource distribution have further solidified these ethnic voting patterns, as voters seek representatives who they believe will advocate for their community’s needs.
With the advent of multiparty politics, the focus of political competition in Samburu East transitioned from local clan identities to broader regional ethnic alliances.
Political parties began to form coalitions that included multiple ethnic groups, reflecting a more strategic approach to garnering votes. This shift was evident in the 1992 and 1997 elections, where candidates aligned themselves with regional blocs rather than solely relying on their clan affiliations.
The emergence of parties like the Democratic Party (DP) and the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) allowed for the formation of cross-ethnic alliances that aimed to challenge the dominance of KANU.
Since the 1990s, new political players have emerged in Samburu East, challenging the traditional dominance of established clans. For instance, the rise of leaders from less dominant clans has introduced new dynamics in ethnic alliances, as these leaders seek to build coalitions that transcend traditional clan boundaries.
This evolution reflects a growing recognition among voters of the need for diverse representation and effective governance, rather than mere clan loyalty.
The evolution of ethnic alliances in Samburu East since the introduction of multiparty politics has been characterized by a shift from localized clan-based politics to more complex regional and ethnic coalitions.
While ethnic identities remain a significant factor in electoral politics, the dynamics of these alliances continue to evolve, influenced by inter-ethnic conflicts, political patronage, and the emergence of new political actors.
