Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has strongly refuted claims of wrongdoing during his tenure as Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, following accusations made by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and other political figures. Natembeya asserted that he stepped down from his former position with an unblemished record, dismissing allegations of involvement in abductions and killings.
In a pointed statement issued on Friday, January 3, Natembeya responded to the verbal attacks he faced during the funeral of Mama Anne Nanyama Wetangula, the mother of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, held in Kabuchai, Bungoma County.
“An Honest Servant of the People”
Natembeya emphasized his dedication to serving Kenyans with integrity, attributing his rise in leadership to hard work and honesty. “Let it be known that George Natembeya served as a diligent, honest, and truthful servant to the people of Kenya—a position I earned through merit and hard work. I resigned as Regional Commissioner without any stain or scandal,” he stated.
The governor accused a faction of political leaders of using the funeral as a platform for baseless attacks. He clarified that his remarks at the event—condemning abductions and calling for the release of missing Kenyans—had provoked the backlash.
Calling Out Injustice and Insensitivity
Natembeya condemned what he described as ignorance and insensitivity among certain politicians, who, he claimed, prioritize their own luxury while families of abducted Kenyans endure anguish. “As some politicians dance merrily, enjoying the trappings of power, families are in agony, not knowing the whereabouts of their children. These families deserve answers, not insults,” he remarked.
He also defended his call for the President to address the issue of extrajudicial abductions, stressing that it was not an attack on the Presidency but a necessary reminder of state organs’ duty to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.
Standing Firm Against Intimidation
The governor vowed to remain steadfast in his advocacy for justice and accountability, undeterred by what he termed as “hired street hoodlums” or political intimidation. “Condemning extrajudicial abductions is not undermining the President. It is fulfilling our obligation to the people we swore to serve,” Natembeya said.
He criticized the inflammatory rhetoric of his detractors, accusing them of lacking emotional intelligence and engaging in divisive politics. “These politicians get carried away by euphoric cheers without considering the consequences of their loose words. I condemn their shameful utterances in the strongest terms possible.”
The Governor, who became a subject of attack by many leaders after addressing the funeral, condemned the attacks he received at the burial that have since become the subject of discussion in the country. “I was the subject of severe verbal attacks by some political leaders through the litany of insults and profanity towards my persona,” Natembeya said.
In his address, Natembeya disagreed with some leaders present over abductions, a move that set the stage for a fierce response from National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
It all began when Cotu boss Francis Atwoli said some Kenyans were abducting themselves to get funding from some civil society organizations.
“On abductions, I work with many organizations across the world, some people are abducting themselves so that they can get money from some organizations,” Atwoli said.
In a rejoinder, Natembeya termed the remarks by Atwoli as unfortunate insisting that those abducted must be set free to give their families peace of mind. “I say this with a very heavy heart. For a leader to stand here and say people are abducting and killing themselves, is unfortunate. It is not for this hallowed grounds,” he said.
The remarks seemingly angered Ichung’wah who hit back at Natembeya.
“You are an officer; if you know people are being abducted, share the information with the police but do not come here to shout at Atwoli (COTU boss),” he stated.
Ichung’wah further noted that Natembeya was a regional commissioner in the last administration, which was also accused of alleged abductions and extra-judicial killings.
Natembeya responding on when he was a regional commissioner said, “…Let it be known that George Natembeya served as a diligent, honest, and truthful servant to the people of Kenya. A position I earned through merit and hard work. I resigned as The Regional Commissioner without any stain or scandal,” he said.
“My commitment as a Regional Commissioner endeared me to the esteemed people of Trans Nzoia, who nurtured me to be their second governor. I want my fellow Kenyans to know that the reason some political leaders saw it worth insulting me was because I boldly told the President to order the end of abductions and command the release of the abducted youths.”
Natembeya went on to say the families of these abducted youths are undergoing untold trauma, “not knowing the whereabouts of their children.”
He went on to clarify that condemning extrajudicial abductions does not amount to undermining the President.
“We all have a duty to remind state organs to adhere to the rule of law and our constitution’s principles. I will continue speaking boldly, without fear. Kenyans want an end to extrajudicial abductions of our young people. Abductions must decisively and courageously be condemned. Kenyans are looking up to leaders to speak for them,” he said.
A Vision for Unity and Justice
Natembeya called for unity among the Luhya community and vowed to continue working with like-minded leaders to champion the rights of Kenyans. “The dream of freeing the Luhya community from egocentric politicians will not be dimmed. Together, we will stand firm and be the voice of the people of Kenya,” he declared.
He reiterated his commitment to addressing the challenges facing Kenyans, particularly the scourge of abductions. “Abductions must be decisively condemned. Kenyans are looking up to leaders to speak for them. We shall not stop reminding other leaders to honor the promises made during the elections.”
Natembeya concluded with a powerful message: “The truth does not mind being questioned. A lie does not like being challenged. George Natembeya remains honest, transparent, and obedient to his people.”
