Senator Hezena Lemaletian has cancelled her wedding and returned the dowry after a traditional background check exposed undisclosed issues about her fiancé.
Known more for her looks and Instagram-ready photos than legislative achievements, Hezena’s dramatic exit from a planned marriage has stirred public debate over the quality of female leaders appointed through political party patronage.
This latest scandal adds to a growing list of women in Kenyan politics—Karen Nyamu, Gloria Orwoba, and Millicent Omanga—whose political relevance is often overshadowed by drama, social media antics, and unstable personal lives.
Slay Queen Senator Hezena: Beauty Over Brains in Kenya’s Senate?
Hezena Lemaletian rose to the limelight not because of her policy work or legislative skills, but due to her beauty and close ties to party bigwigs. Her nomination was celebrated not for merit but for aesthetic appeal. This raises a troubling question—are Kenyans being shortchanged in leadership by a growing culture of political tokenism?
In October 2024, Hezena posted stunning images of her traditional engagement ceremony, proudly referring to her fiancé as “a fine top brain.” She wore Samburu regalia, smiled for the cameras, and captioned her photos with heartfelt captions that suggested the beginning of a lifelong union.
Kenyans congratulated her, unaware of the storm brewing behind the scenes. Fast forward to May 2025. In a press statement, Hezena revealed that her family elders, following Samburu customs, had conducted a deep background check on her intended husband.
The findings? Damning enough to force the cancellation of the engagement. The senator stated clearly: “Allegations that I was married are false and unfounded, and I shall also not be married to that person whatsoever.”
The dowry of Ksh 100,000, which had already been presented, was returned, and the elders immediately stopped any further marriage arrangements. By January 2025, the union was dead.
While Hezena thanked her elders and requested privacy, many Kenyans are left wondering: how can someone who couldn’t see through a life partner be expected to make complex legislative decisions?
Her focus seems misplaced—more on outfits, filtered selfies, and press statements than pushing real change in the Senate.
Party Boss Favorites: The Crisis of Nominated Women Leaders
The nomination system in Kenya was designed to empower marginalized groups, especially women. But it has now become a reward system for political loyalty, beauty, and closeness to powerful male politicians.
Hezena is just one example. Gloria Orwoba made headlines for wearing a stained outfit in Parliament to highlight period poverty. While her cause was noble, her execution bordered on stunt activism.
Karen Nyamu, known more for her relationship with musician Samidoh than her Senate contributions, frequently makes news for the wrong reasons. Millicent Omanga’s fashion statements attracted more attention than her legislative motions.
These women are not alone. But the trend is damaging. Their presence in key decision-making spaces ends up being ornamental. Real female change-makers are overlooked while ‘slay queens’ dominate headlines for failed marriages, fashion choices, or online drama.
By promoting beauty over brains, party bosses continue to erode the seriousness of Kenya’s legislative bodies. It also limits the ability of these women to maintain stable family lives. Public scrutiny, lack of privacy, and political drama have become the norm.
Failed Engagement Just a Symptom of a Bigger Problem
Hezena’s broken engagement isn’t just gossip fodder. It’s a reflection of deeper issues in how Kenya selects its leaders.
Her story is being used to distract from the fact that, nearly three years into her nomination, Hezena has not authored a single major bill. She is barely visible in key committee debates and is rarely seen pushing policy that affects her Samburu community. Yet, she remains a trending topic—because of her looks and love life, not her legislative impact.
Her latest statement even threatens legal action against those who “slander” her. But she has yet to address her role as a public servant, paid by taxpayers, expected to deliver results—not excuses.
Kenya is at a crossroads. If women leaders are to gain respect, party bosses must stop appointing those who cannot handle the pressure of public office. They must prioritize competence, courage, and character—not camera-friendly faces who crumble under scrutiny.
