Senator Olekina Speaks on President Ruto Using Narok County Devolution Funds as His Side Kitty

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has firmly dismissed allegations that President William Ruto has treated Narok County as a personal "side kitty" for misusing devolved funds.

The claims surfaced after former MP Kabando wa Kabando challenged Olekina on X on January 10, 2026, pointing to Narok's status as Kenya's richest county council before the 2013 devolution.

Kabando accused the senator of ignoring alleged looting of county resources and Maasai Mara revenues since devolution began, while urging him to speak out against graft instead of engaging in political sideshows.

In a direct response the following day, Olekina defended his eight-year record, highlighting his public criticism of past Narok governors over corruption.

"Funds misappropriated? Absolutely agree, and I’ve publicly called out governors on graft—my record proves it," he wrote. However, he rejected the Ruto accusation outright, describing it as "unfounded nonsense" with no supporting evidence.

Olekina attributed Narok's post-devolution struggles to massive population growth driven by land encroachment from outsiders, which he said exploited local communities.

He contrasted the county's pre-2013 wealth with today's challenges, insisting debates should rest on facts rather than unsubstantiated claims.

The exchange has reignited online discussions about accountability in devolved units and equity in resource distribution across Kenya's counties.