Samburu Governor Jonathan Lelelit hails Blood Moon as proof of divine connection
Samburu Governor Jonathan Lati Lelelit says Sunday night’s rare Blood Moon is proof that his people are still very much in touch with the heavens.
Speaking to a local TV station after the spectacular lunar show on Sunday, September 7, 2025, the governor said Samburu has always been a special place for star and sky traditions. For generations, locals have gazed at the stars to predict when the rains are coming and to make sense of life’s mysteries.
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He gave one of their most popular tale about a rope that was once tied all the way to planet Venus. The story goes that the Samburu people used it to climb up to the skies and ask God for what they wanted. But things went wrong when one man’s prayer was not answered; he came back angry and cut the rope. Since then, the shortcut to heaven has been out of service.
Even so, the governor insisted that the Samburu people still have a spiritual connection with the skies.
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He noted that, judging by the visitors who flocked from as far as Japan and Germany to catch the Blood Moon, it seems the rest of the world is also beginning to see that Samburu is not just home to wildlife and landscapes, but also to cosmic wonders.
“There is a lot of star reading in Samburu, and one of the good stories is that the Samburu people had a rope that was tied to planet Venus, where Samburus would use and go to the sky and ask God for what they want,” he said.
Adding;
“But apparently, one of the men went to see God, and he did not grant his wish, and when he came back, he decided to cut the link. Samburu people are still connected to the star, everything about the rains, everything about celestial beings. People from Japan, Germany and everywhere in the world have come here today and are watching. We still have a connection to the sky.”
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His sentiments come after Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano launched Astro Tourism in Samburu County. The event was timed with the rare appearance of a Blood Moon and the alignment of Saturn, which could be seen across Kenya from 8:30 pm until the early hours of September 8.
Miano said the government is keen on diversifying Kenya’s tourism products beyond safaris and beach attractions. She noted that Samburu’s pristine skies, free from light pollution, offer one of the best places in the world for stargazing and astronomy experiences.
“Tonight, we are not just witnessing a total lunar eclipse but embarking on a new journey, illuminating a path to a future where our tourism sector shines brighter than ever before. Not just a ‘blood moon’ moment but a dawn in our tourism sector,” she said during the launch.
In a statement, the Kenya Tourism Board noted that the Astro Tourism initiative is expected to attract local and international travellers while boosting community involvement, cultural storytelling and conservation efforts.
“Kenya on 7th hosted the first dedicated Astro Tourism experience in Samburu County as part of the initiative to diversify tourism offerings and position Kenya as a leading destination for astronomy enthusiasts and adventure travellers. Astro Tourism is an emerging niche market that combines stargazing, astronomy education, and the experience of pristine night skies. With minimal light pollution, clear equatorial skies, and unique landscapes, Samburu presents an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Kenya’s celestial wonders,” the statement read.
The Kenya Wildlife Service also celebrated Samburu’s role in hosting the event, saying Kenya’s landscapes are not just for wildlife but also gateways to the stars.
“Tonight, Kenya witnesses a rare celestial spectacle a blood moon and Saturn alignment lighting up our skies. Why Samburu? It is one of the best places on earth to look up,” KWS said.
“From Taita Hills to Mt. Kenya, to our beaches and Samburu, Kenya’s wild spaces are not just home to incredible wildlife, but also gateways to the stars,” the agency added.
