George Natembeya Receives Heroic Welcome On His Tour of Western, Vows to Continue Criticising Govt

• Hundreds of residents in Kakamega, Vihiga, and Bungoma turned out to welcome Governor George Natembeya ahead of homecoming prayers in Trans Nzoia
• The Trans Nzoia governor is on the meet the people tour in Western Kenya, days after he was arraigned on corruption charges
• Natembeya calls his troubles politically motivated and urges the government to listen to critics instead of silencing them

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Kakamega - Embattled Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya has brought Western Kenya to a standstill.

Natembeya is touring all five counties of the Western region, days after being arrested and charged with corruption allegations.

How was George Natembeya received in Western region?

Hundreds of residents in Kakamega, Vihiga and Bungoma turned up to welcome Natembeya ahead of his homecoming prayers in Trans Nzoia.

During the stopover in Kakamega town, Natembeya termed his ongoing tribulations as politically motivated.

While vowing to continue criticising President William Ruto's administration, Natembea has urged the state to listen to concerns being voiced by the perceived government critics and address them accordingly, instead of trying to silence the critics.

"Expressing opinions is provided for in the constitution. And as human beings, we are allowed to differ, we can't all be saying the same thing. If I say something that the government finds beneficial, they can use it.

"If they think it has no value, they can ignore it. But don't get so angry to the extent of maybe wanting to silence those, in quotes, government critics. Let's not keep quiet when things are wrong. Let's criticise when it's necessary. And those who are on the other side, please listen. Don't bully," Natembeya said.

In all the stopovers, Natembeya accused Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi of neglecting the Mulembe people.

The Trans Nzoia governor told his supporters to remain steadfast as he continues to push for Luhya unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.

"They should remain steadfast. It's a long journey. Nobody promised that it's going to be easy. All this was expected. But as long as it's for the interest of the Kenyan people, and for the interest of the country, then of course we are going to walk the talk," he added.

Natembeya also stated that the court order barring him from accessing the governor's office will not stop him from delivering on his mandate as governor.

"The governor's office is where the governor is. Even here now, I can dispense business anywhere. But I think the order was a bit misunderstood. The restrictions about the place where I sit, not even the county headquarters, the office where I sit, is where I cannot access for the next 54 days or so. But I can still operate from anywhere. I can even operate from my secretary's office. So really, discharging government business is not about the physical space," he added.

Caleb Amisi criticise Western leaders

In other news, Saboti Constituency Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi criticised some political leaders in the Western region for expressing happiness over the arrest and arraignment of the Trans Nzoia governor.

Addressing congregants at Kitale Pentecostal Church on the outskirts of Kitale town, Amisi described the celebration of Natembeya’s troubles as both inhuman and morally wrong.

A close ally of the governor, Amisi urged leaders across all political parties in the Western region to unite and support Natembeya in overcoming his current challenges.

Is Amisi interested in the Trans Nzoia governor's seat?

In a previous public address, Amisi hinted at vying for the Trans Nzoia gubernatorial seat, although he was noncommittal on when he would join the race.

The second-term lawmaker said he had what it takes to lead Trans Nzoia, adding that he would make that decision when the time is ripe.

Sources close to Amisi's political game plan told TUKO.co.ke that the youthful lawmaker would most likely defend his seat in 2027 and aim to succeed Natembeya in 2032.

Amisi was also linked to Vihiga gubernatorial seat, but he dismissed the reports.

Masolo Mabonga HOD Current Affairs and Politics, updated this story with details on whether Saboti MP Caleb Amisi will contest for the Trans Nzoia gubernatorial seat.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke