Strengthening Ties: Elder Mutombo Visits Kajiado County's Governor 

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Kajiado, Kenya – July 30, 2025

In a meaningful gesture of  community partnership and strengthening relationships, Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, Africa Central Area President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency Hon. Joseph Ole Lenku, EGH, Governor of Kajiado County, at his office in Kajiado, Kenya.

The visit followed a heartfelt encounter during the Nairobi Kenya Temple Open House on April 28, 2025, where Governor Ole Lenku toured the temple with Elder Mutombo as he learnt about the Church’s mission, values, and community initiatives. Deeply moved by the experience, the Governor invited Elder Mutombo for further dialogue 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.”

The meeting was attended by Nairobi Kenya West Stake President Peter Ondigo, Area Communication and Publishing Director Claudine Isekusu, and Church member Isabella Oloo from Riruta Ward, Nairobi. Isabella had previously introduced the Governor to the Church’s humanitarian efforts and how staying on the covenant path is important to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Reflecting on his past interactions with missionaries during his time in the hospitality industry, and his recent temple experience, Governor Ole Lenku remarked, “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 outlined Kajiado County’s development vision, inspired by Habakkuk 2:2–3, with a focus on climate change, education, and a 24-hour economy. “We know that if it were not for God, we would not be here. 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,” he said.

Elder Mutombo commended the Governor’s scriptural foundation, quoting Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no vision, the people perish. I am happy you got your vision from the scriptures.”

The Church reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the county’s goals through ongoing humanitarian projects in Kajiado, including the planting of over 50,000 fruit trees to enhance food security and environmental care, among 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.”

“Ashe,” (thank you) said the Governor in Maasai, expressing his gratitude. “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 concluded with a shared commitment to future collaboration, including an invitation for Kajiado youth to participate in the Church’s For the Strength of Youth (FSY) program next year.