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Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, Africa Central Area President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visited Governor Joseph Ole Lenku of Kajiado County at his office in Kenya on July 30, 2025. The visit was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community partnerships between the Church and local government.
The meeting followed an earlier encounter during the Nairobi Kenya Temple Open House on April 28, 2025. During that event, Governor Ole Lenku toured the temple with Elder Mutombo and learned about the Church’s mission and community work. Moved by the experience, Governor Ole Lenku invited Elder Mutombo for further discussions at his county offices.
“We are honored to take this opportunity to visit you,” said Elder Mutombo. “Everything we do in the temple is to bring us closer to Christ.”
Attendees included Nairobi Kenya West Stake President Peter Ondigo, Area Communication and Publishing Director Claudine Isekusu, and Isabella Oloo from Riruta Ward in Nairobi. Oloo had previously introduced the governor to the Church’s humanitarian activities and emphasized the importance of staying on the covenant path for members.
Governor Ole Lenku reflected on his past interactions with missionaries during his time in hospitality as well as his recent temple visit. He stated, “If this is the Church, then it makes good people. I shared with my family what I saw in the Nairobi Kenya Temple.”
He also discussed Kajiado County’s development goals based on Habakkuk 2:2–3, highlighting priorities such as climate change response, education improvements, and promoting a 24-hour economy.
“We know that if it were not for God, we would not be here,” he said. “I am a living testimony of what God can do. That is why we put God at the heart of everything we do in the county.”
Elder Mutombo praised the governor’s use of scripture for guidance and quoted Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no vision, the people perish. I am happy you got your vision from the scriptures.”
The Church reiterated its support for Kajiado County through ongoing humanitarian projects like planting over 50,000 fruit trees aimed at improving food security and environmental care along with other self-reliance initiatives.
“We do this as disciples of Jesus Christ. We love God and our neighbors as ourselves,” Elder Mutombo emphasized.
President Peter Ondigo added: “I have a living testimony of what God has done for me through service to others. I encourage everyone to make continuous self-sacrifice to serve others and bring joy to all of God’s children.”
Expressing gratitude in Maasai language, Governor Ole Lenku said: “Ashe (thank you). God has continuously sent many helping hands. Rather than reinventing the wheel, join us — we will show you where to plug in and help.”
The meeting ended with both parties agreeing to continue working together. There was also an invitation extended for youth from Kajiado County to participate in next year’s For the Strength of Youth (FSY) program organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
