Leaders allied to President William Ruto’s re-election bid on Sunday took their campaign to Trans Nzoia County, mounting a scathing attack on Governor George Natembeya over what they termed stalled development in the region.
Speaking during a church service at Mercy Church in Saboti Constituency, the leaders accused Governor Natembeya of adopting a confrontational stance towards the national government, which they said had cost Trans Nzoia critical development projects.
They urged him to abandon what they described as a “rebellious posture” and instead work with the government to unlock development.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka said Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties were economically and socially intertwined, warning that underdevelopment in one county inevitably affected the other.
“Bungoma has benefited greatly because of our good working relationship with the national government. We do not want Trans Nzoia to be left behind. That is why we are calling on the governor to join hands with us and work with the national government,” Lusaka said.
The Bungoma governor outlined several projects implemented in his county, attributing them to cordial relations with President Ruto’s administration, and argued that cooperation not confrontation was the surest path to development.
Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula faulted Natembeya for persistently criticising the government while, according to him, infrastructure in Trans Nzoia remained in a deplorable state.
“Why waste time shouting ‘Tawe’ when your roads are in poor condition and your people continue to suffer?” Savula posed.
Savula further claimed that the political allies surrounding Governor Natembeya lacked the capacity to help him deliver development, insisting that the county’s infrastructure told a grim story.
Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Lilian Siyoi called on the governor to put aside personal vendettas and prioritise the welfare of residents by engaging the national government.
“What is important is not our selfish political interests, but the interests of our people and how their lives will change,” Siyoi said.
Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang escalated the criticism, accusing the county administration of presiding over corruption while health facilities grappled with shortages of essential drugs and supplies.
The leaders used the forum to drum up support for President Ruto’s re-election in 2027, arguing that Western Kenya stood to gain more through unity and strategic engagement with the national government.
Also present were Vihiga Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala, Sirisia MP John Waluke, Webuye East MP Martin Wanyonyi, Hamisi MP Charles Gimose, Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe, and Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana, among others.
