Nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian has revealed that she cancelled her engagement and returned dowry after her family elders conducted a thorough background check on her fiancé, as mandated by Samburu cultural traditions.
Lemaletian had announced her engagement in October 2024 during a colourful traditional ceremony, sharing the news with joy across social media platforms. At the time, she praised her then-partner, identified as Dr. Hussein M.L, calling him “a fine top brain” and expressing her excitement about their future together.
In her original post, she wrote:
“It’s a resounding YES from the elders of the Clan of cows that lick fire (Quaro) to the Son of the Lake Drinkers (Sarima)… I am officially traditionally engaged to a fine top brain, Dr. Hussein M.L, the gentleman who is after my heart and is apparently sitting inside it eating popcorn while swinging on a grandpa rocking chair.”
She continued:
“Men are many but this one is made from a different fabric—and that fabric doesn’t exist anymore. We, HML & HML, unite the two largest clans of the Northern Maas because love is the greatest of all commandments.”
However, on May 16, 2025, the senator issued a statement confirming that the engagement had been cancelled earlier in the year. She explained that, following Samburu tradition, her family elders had conducted a comprehensive background check on the fiancé, which led to the decision to terminate the union. The specific concerns raised during the vetting process were not disclosed.
“The due procedure of the Samburu culture is that a background check must be conducted before the marriage. And so it was—and thoroughly,” she stated.
Addressing public speculation, Lemaletian clarified that she is not married and has no intention of proceeding with the engagement.
“Allegations that I was married are false and unfounded, and I shall also not be married to that person whatsoever. I deeply thank our elders,” she affirmed.
She also confirmed that the dowry of Ksh100,000, which had been presented during the initial marriage discussions, was returned and the engagement officially ended in January 2025.
“The elders of my family halted the entire process after the background check and refused to accept the dowry. As such, the whole engagement was cancelled,” she reiterated.
Lemaletian expressed deep appreciation for her family’s guidance, noting that their actions filled the role her late father would have played.
