President William Ruto celebrated Ledama Olekina’s birthday during a rally in Kisii County.
The President serenaded the Narok senator during his Kisii tour, sharing a light-hearted moment with a former outspoken critic.
President William Ruto sang a birthday song for Narok Senator Ledama Olekina during a rally in Kisii County. The gesture brought a light-hearted pause to the President’s tour.
Olekina, who was on stage, invited Ruto to join his birthday celebrations. In response, the President called on the crowd to celebrate the senator before singing to him by name.
The senator appeared pleased and thanked Ruto after the performance. Their warm exchange contrasted with Olekina’s earlier position as a vocal critic of the President’s administration.
Birthday song highlights warmer political ties
The interaction comes amid shifting political alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election. It also follows the cooperation agreement between the ruling United Democratic Alliance and the Orange Democratic Movement.
Olekina previously challenged Ruto’s administration over taxation, the cost of living and its overall direction. However, he has since explained why he chose to work with the President.
During a November 8 television interview, the senator credited the late ODM leader Raila Odinga with influencing that decision. He said Raila personally visited his home and asked him to mobilise Maasai leaders for consultations on the proposed cooperation.
Olekina also described his shift as a move away from confrontational politics towards delivering development. He pointed to Narok Airport, which he said had reached 90% completion, as an example.
In addition, the senator argued that working with the government had helped secure road projects for Narok. His position places him among ODM leaders navigating the party’s emerging relationship with Ruto’s administration before the next election.
