A Nairobi court has issued temporary restraining orders against nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian’s former partner, Musa Hussein Lenyumpa, prohibiting him from accessing her residence or workplace.
The orders, issued on August 12, 2025, also bar Hussein from publishing or facilitating the publication of any information relating to the senator. Additionally, he is prohibited from using her name or images for personal gain, and from engaging in any form of assault, harassment, threats, or interference with her well-being.
The senator filed the case at the Magistrate’s Family Court, seeking a declaration that no valid marriage exists between her and Hussein. In her petition, she stated that Hussein had been falsely claiming to be her husband under Samburu customary law. She clarified that no dowry was paid and that the KSh100,000 Hussein gave was merely a goodwill token, locally known as ropiyani e loip, which she has since returned.
According to her affidavit, under Samburu traditions, a full dowry consists of eight cows a requirement that was never met. While she acknowledged there had been an intention to marry at one point, she maintained that the process was never formalised and therefore no legal or customary marriage exists.
The senator further alleged that Hussein had subjected her to physical and verbal abuse, leaving her injured on one occasion. She accused him of orchestrating defamatory online campaigns through bloggers and social media influencers, falsely portraying himself as her legal husband.
She argued that such actions had caused significant emotional distress, social discomfort, and reputational damage, jeopardising her integrity and effectiveness as a public leader. As a national figure, she emphasised the importance of maintaining a clean public image, free from harmful falsehoods.
The court’s intervention is intended to protect the senator from continued harassment and defamation while the matter proceeds through the legal process. The case highlights the intersection of personal disputes, cultural traditions, and public office, particularly where allegations of abuse and false representation are involved.
The matter is scheduled for mention on September 22, 2025, when further directions will be given.
This development underscores the judiciary’s role in safeguarding individuals including public figures from harassment, abuse, and misinformation, while also clarifying cultural and legal questions around marital claims under customary law.
