Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has come to the defense of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya following the governor's recent clash with allies of President William Ruto.
In a public statement on Sunday, January 5, Gachagua encouraged Natembeya to remain steadfast in his service to the people of Trans Nzoia County and not to be distracted by critics.
"Please do not let the Court Poets and Masters of platitude distract you from the work you are doing of delivering to the people of Trans-Nzoia County. These Court Jesters are on the misguided assignment of providing comic relief to their master," he said.
Gachagua's message, which appeared to allude to the political tensions within the ruling coalition, praised Natembeya's boldness in speaking out on national issues.
The former deputy president added that his prayer is for the governor to remain resolute in uniting and protecting the dignity of the people he serves.
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"And do not be cowed from speaking out on behalf of the people of Kenya when it’s necessary. The rants and tirade being thrown at you are a clear testimony that you are making an impact as you speak truth to power.
"My prayer is that you will continue to do so, and to unite your people and protect their dignity and political pride. This unity, I assure you, will ensure that your people’s interests are always front and centre of the focus of any administration. May God continue to be with you," he added.
During the funeral of Mama Anne Nanyama Wetangula, mother to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, on Friday, January 3, 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.
In his response later, Natembeya attributed the attacks to his outspoken stance on extrajudicial abductions in the country.
"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 said.
