Hezena Lemaletian's Message To Raila After Nomination To Senate

The 32-year-old was nominated alongside Fikirini Katoi Kahindi, who is the male representative.

Hezena Lemaletian's Message To Raila After Nomination To Senate
Hezena Lemaletian speaking during a past Azimio Rally. /HEZENA LEMALETIAN

Hezena Lemaletian, alias the ‘Queen Of the North’, has termed her nomination to the Senate by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as a game-changer.

In a statement on Thursday, July 28, Lemaletian praised Azimio la Umoja coalition presidential candidate, Raila Odinga, for according her the space to represent the youth, as well as the party.

She added that it was a great honour to be proposed to represent the youth in the Senate. The 32-year-old was nominated alongside Fikirini Katoi Kahindi, who is the male representative.

Hezena Lemaletian with Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga during the Azimio National Convention on December 10, 2021. /FILE

"I do not take for granted the favour of Our Omnipotent, Omniscient God. The honour bestowed upon me by my party leader H.E RT. Hon. Raila Odinga, the resolute belief and the safe space created by my party, the ODM party for the empowerment of women and the firm support of my fellow Kenyan youth.

"Words cannot express the magnitude of gratitude I feel for appearing on the nomination list for Senate," she stated.

Lemaletian had previously dropped her ambitions for the Samburu County Woman Representative seat during the August 9, 2022, General Elections following extensive consultations with Azimio la Umoja coalition presidential candidate, Raila Odinga and elders from her community.

“This decision was made via a consensus, in the patriotic interest of the country, and as a result of a much higher need to consolidate votes to achieve electoral success for the Azimio La Umoja Campaign,” she revealed in a Facebook statement on Friday, May 13.

She first burst into the national limelight during the Azimio La Umoja National Convention held at Kasarani Stadium on Friday, December 10, 2021, when her powerful introduction, coupled with bold sentiments and ravishing beauty turned her into an overnight sensation.

Lemaletian has been drumming up support on behalf of Raila, having been absorbed into the Azimio youth league led by Jubilee nominated MP Isaac Ngugi.

Crystal Asige Breaks Silence On Senate Nomination

Another ODM nominee who was grateful for the proposal was former Sauti Sol protégé Crystal Asige, who was nominated to the Senate to represent persons with disabilities.

The musician, who is visually impaired was nominated alongside Nickson Ochieng, who was the male representative. Just like Lemaletian, Asige was grateful to Raila, terming the nomination as a big win for the communities she represents.

“This week Hon. Raila Odinga chose to leave no Kenyan behind - no matter their ability or disability. I consider this Senate nomination by Baba and ODM to be an honour and count this as a win for the communities I represent. A win for Persons with Disabilities, a win for women, and a win for the youth in Kenya.

"There is never a better measure of what a person is than what he does when he is absolutely free to choose” - William M. Bulger,” she stated while congratulating Ochieng for the nomination as the male representative.

Asige, who is famous for her distinctive verse in the band's hit song Extravaganza in 2019, had parted ways with Sauti Sol's talent mentorship project - Sol Generation, barely 10 months into her stint. 

Ex-Sauti Sol signee, Crystal Asige. /TWITTER

Other nominees to Parliament by ODM include Suba South MP John Mbadi, ODM National Elections Board Chairperson Catherine Mumma, Rosemary Kariuki, Director of Membership, and former Nominated Senator Harold Kipchumba.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nominated incumbent Laikipia County Woman Rep Cate Waruguru, former Starehe MP Charles Njagua, and Fredrick Muteti to the National Assembly. UDA Secretary General Veronica Maina, incumbent Narok County Woman Rep Sopian Tuya, incumbent Kajiado East MP Peris Tobiko, former Bomet County Woman Rep Joyce Korir, and Karen Nyamu are among the Senate nominees.

President Uhuru Kenyatta's sister Kristina Wambui Pratt and Nairobi Governor Anne Kananu are also notable nominees. Murang'a Woman Representative Sabina Chege was nominated to the National Assembly. 

TV47 news anchor, political and parliamentary reporter, Elizabeth Mutuku, alias Lizah, was nominated by Wiper party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, to the Senate. Royal Media Services (RMS) Ltd's Jacqueline Kalenga was nominated alongside her while others include Wiper’s current nominee to the Senate Sylvia Kasanga, Wiper party Secretary General Shakila Abdalla. A Bajun, Kalonzo's close relative Jane Muasya and his Nairobi Mr Fix It, Roy Kivusyu.