Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has expressed his disappointment after being denied an invitation to the Madaraka Day celebrations. The former Rift Valley regional commissioner believes his exclusion is due to his outspoken advocacy for leadership change in the region.
Outspoken Advocate for Change
Governor Natembeya suspects that his public calls for a change in regional leadership are the reason for his exclusion from the event. During a speech in Vihiga County at the launch of the Tawe Movement Vihiga Women’s League, Natembeya stated that other governors in the region were involved in the planning of the celebrations while he was kept out.
“Some people don’t want to see me because I am telling the truth. Let them come and tell you that I am lying. It is for this reason that they have denied me an invitation to Madaraka Day, and I have not been allowed close to them,” he said.
Independence and Criticism
Natembeya emphasized his independence, rejecting claims that he is anyone’s project. “I have heard some people say that I am someone’s project. Let me tell you, I am not anyone’s project. Even some you mention here, I don’t have their contacts,” he asserted.
Conflicts with Regional Leaders
The county chief has been vocal in his criticism of Ford-Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula and Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi, accusing them of providing unproductive leadership. This conflict came to a head recently at a funeral in Goseta, Bidii Ward, in Trans Nzoia, where Natembeya and Wetang’ula clashed publicly.
Wetang’ula’s Response
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula responded to Natembeya’s remarks, criticizing his approach to politics. “Some people entered politics recently. They now think they know it all. Tell them that we have been here; we have seen people fall for rushing like them,” Wetang’ula said during a function in Cherang’anyi Constituency.
Support for the Tawe Movement
Despite the controversy, Natembeya’s Tawe Movement has received significant support, with over a hundred members of the county assembly from Kakamega, Trans Nzoia, Busia, Vihiga, and Nairobi counties pledging their backing.
Conclusion
Governor George Natembeya remains a polarizing figure in regional politics, with his calls for change and outspoken criticism of established leaders leading to his exclusion from key events like the Madaraka Day celebrations. As the political dynamics in the region continue to evolve, Natembeya’s influence and the support for his Tawe Movement will be critical factors to watch.
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