Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has condemned verbal attacks directed at him during the funeral of Mama Anne Nanyama Wetangula, mother to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, held in Kabuchai, Bungoma County.
In a statement on Friday, January 3, Natembeya addressed allegations made by some political leaders, accusing him of abduction and orchestrating killings during his tenure as Regional Commissioner.
He dismissed the claims as baseless, emphasizing his dedication to public service and his unblemished record.
"Among the claims, some political leaders alleged that I am an abductor and a murderer who orchestrated the deaths of innocent Kenyans during the last regime. 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 stated.
Natembeya attributed the attacks to his outspoken stance on extrajudicial abductions, which he has urged President William Ruto’s administration to address.
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"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. The families of these abducted youths are undergoing untold trauma, not knowing the whereabouts of their children.
"As some politicians dance merrily, enjoying the trappings of being leaders, a family doesn't even have the appetite to drink a glass of water because they are in agony for not seeing their son, who disappeared without a trace. Unfortunately, without respect for these families, some political leaders are trying to divert this matter of national concern by insulting me with their frivolous allegations," he added.
Natembeya criticized the leaders who, he claimed, prioritize political grandstanding over addressing critical issues affecting Kenyans.
He also reaffirmed his dedication to serving the people of Kenya and expressed his determination to work with like-minded leaders to liberate the region.
"Let it not be construed that condemning extrajudicial abductions is undermining the President. We all have a duty to remind state organs to adhere to the rule of law and our constitution's principles. These politicians lack emotional intelligence; they get carried away by euphoric cheers senselessly without assessing the unforeseen consequences of their loose mouths.
"I condemn the shameful utterances with the strongest terms possible. I will not be cowed or stopped by hired street hoodlums. The dream of freeing the Luhya community from the chains of egocentric politicians will not be dimmed by corrupt politicians. My fellow Luhya leaders and I, together with likeminded political leaders from other regions, will stand firm and become the voice of the people of Kenya," he concluded.
During the burial, Natembeya and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah clashed over the cases of abductions in the country.
Ichung'wah accused Natembeya of incitement and asked him to assist the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in solving the abduction cases if he had any knowledge of the abductors.
“It is not to say that there are no abductions. Abductions are there. Governor Natembeya, if you know the abductors, you are an officer and you have been a regional commissioner. Give information to the DCI for them to investigate.
“I want to ask you, Governor Natembeya, you were a regional commissioner the other day when people were abducted and killed in Kerio Valley. So at that time, you did not know Kenyans’ lives were valuable? Let me tell you today in broad daylight, the politics you are doing of dividing Kenyans on tribal lines and incitement, you will not succeed. Shame on you!” he remarked.
