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Senator for Samburu County
Born
1978(48 yrs)
Region
Samburu
Constituency
Samburu
Public Views
Experience
Documented career positions
Steve Ltumbesi Lelegwe is a Kenyan politician currently serving as the Senator for Samburu County. A prominent figure in Northern Kenyan politics, he has established a legislative career characterized by his focus on pastoralist economic interests, regional development, and public administration. He is a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the leading party within the Kenya Kwanza coalition, and is currently serving his second consecutive term in the Senate. Born on September 14, 1981, in Samburu County, Lelegwe grew up in a region historically defined by its pastoralist communities and rich cultural heritage. His academic background is extensive, reflecting a long-term commitment to professional development and specialization in project management and public administration. He enrolled at the University of Nairobi in 2002, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 2006. Seeking to advance his expertise in leadership and organizational strategy, he returned to the University of Nairobi to pursue a Master of Arts in Project Planning and Management, which he completed in 2012. He later earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the same field from the University of Nairobi, graduating in 2018. Additionally, he completed a Master’s degree in Public Administration at the same institution between 2018 and 2021. Before entering elected politics, Lelegwe established a career in public administration and governance. Between 2010 and 2012, he served as a Deputy Returning Officer and County Returning Officer with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), where he gained practical experience in the intricacies of Kenyan electoral processes and grassroots governance. This experience provided him with a foundational understanding of the administrative challenges facing his home county. Lelegwe’s political career began in earnest during the 2013 general elections, when he was elected as the inaugural Speaker of the Samburu County Assembly. This role allowed him to oversee the nascent legislative processes of the devolved government, helping to shape the county's initial institutional framework. In the 2017 general elections, he successfully contested the Samburu County Senate seat, defeating the incumbent, Sammy Leshore. He was re-elected for a second term during the 2022 general elections, running on a UDA party ticket. Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Lelegwe has been an active participant in parliamentary committees, including the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations and the County Public Accounts Committee. A key aspect of his legislative agenda has been his work with the Pastoralist Parliamentary Group (PPG), where he served on the Executive Committee to advocate for the rights and livelihoods of pastoralist communities. He has been a vocal proponent of sustainable livestock management and economic security for his constituents, exemplified by his sponsorship of the Livestock Protection and Sustainability Bill. His leadership style is frequently described as pragmatic, bridging his academic background in project planning with his experience in grassroots political mobilization.
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Graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Nairobi in 2006.
Served as a Deputy Returning Officer and County Returning Officer for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) from 2010 to 2012.
Obtained a Master of Arts degree in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi in 2012.
In August 2020, Senator Lelegwe was arrested by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers while on his way to the Senate. The arrest occurred amid a contentious debate on the county revenue-sharing formula, leading to widespread accusations of political intimidation against senators opposed to the government's proposal. He was questioned regarding alleged incitement to inter-clan conflict in Samburu but was released shortly after without being charged.
In early 2026, Nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian publicly accused Lelegwe of using 'goons' to threaten her and interfere with her political activities in Samburu County. Lelegwe denied the allegations, characterizing them as baseless political maneuvering by an opponent seeking to gain relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
News articles featuring Steve Lelegwe
Elected as the inaugural Speaker of the Samburu County Assembly in 2013.
Elected to the Senate of Kenya as the Senator for Samburu County in 2017.
Completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi in 2018.
Earned a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Nairobi in 2021.
Re-elected as the Senator for Samburu County in the August 2022 general election on a UDA party ticket.
Appointed Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Roads, Transportation, and Housing during the 13th Parliament.
Served as a member of the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations, as well as the County Public Accounts Committee.
Sponsored the Livestock Protection and Sustainability Bill (Senate Bill No. 32 of 2024) to safeguard the economic interests of pastoralists and promote sustainable livestock practices.
In February 2026, an investigative journalist alleged that Senator Lelegwe confiscated their phone and laptop after the journalist began photographing furniture inside his residence. The journalist claimed the items were potentially misappropriated county property, while local reports indicated a dispute over the journalist's unauthorized access to the senator's private premises.