Natembeya's fierce criticism of Ruto's administration sparks political storm

George Natembeya, a fiery former national government administrator who resigned to join politics, remains unrelenting in his criticism of President William Ruto and his allies from the Western region.

Just as he took on errant politicians when he served as the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, before vying for the Trans Nzoia governorship in 2022, Natembeya is now taking on political heavyweights with unyielding energy, delivering his attacks with blazing intensity.

He launched his Tawe (Say No) political movement barely two years ago, claiming its purpose is to liberate the Luhya nation in Western and Rift Valley from what he calls “dishonest” politicians holding powerful positions in the Kenya Kwanza administration.

His bold stance has ruffled feathers among top political figures in Western Kenya and beyond.

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Natembeya has persistently questioned how the region, which produced two Kenya Kwanza principals—Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula—has benefitted from these influential state positions.

He has become a thorn in the flesh not only to political bigwigs in Western and Rift Valley but also to the broader Kenya Kwanza leadership, including President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In recent months, politicians allied to Ruto, Mudavadi, and Wetang’ula have launched political attacks against Natembeya, who has vowed to continue criticising the Kenya Kwanza administration.

On Friday, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi joined those condemning Governor Natembeya over his criticisms of the Ruto government.

Sudi accused Natembeya of fuelling ethnic politics in his push for Luhya unity, urging the governor to focus on development instead.

“A governor (Natembeya) is not delivering on his development agenda, yet he is busy running around preaching politics of ethnicity,” Sudi said.

While Sudi was launching his attack in Eldoret, President Ruto’s close ally, Farouk Kibet, was also questioning Natembeya’s political influence in Western Kenya during a fundraising event in Malava.

“I heard a complaint, and today I want to ask: is it true that Natembeya said I should not come to Malava? Is that even possible? How can you oppose development?” Farouk asked.

Natembeya’s claims of political targeting

Later that day, while distributing maize seeds in Bidii, Kwanza Constituency, Natembeya alleged that powerful individuals were plotting to eliminate him for speaking out against the government.

"The government has people with ill intentions. Recently, at former IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati’s burial, they planted goons. I felt that they wanted to eliminate me."

He added:

"I know the government can eliminate people, and they can do it to me. But even if I am no longer here, the seeds I have planted in your hearts will not wither."

Natembeya also claimed that he was a subject of discussions at State House due to his outspoken nature.

Despite the backlash, he maintains that he is merely voicing what many Kenyans are thinking and insists that he has never insulted President Ruto or Raila.

"I have never insulted President Ruto. It was Raila who called him a thief during campaigns, and it was Ruto who referred to Raila as ‘mganga’ (a term that can mean either a traditional healer or a witch doctor),” he says.

According to the governor, few leaders are holding Ruto’s administration accountable, as nearly all MPs have backed the Kenya Kwanza-led broad-based arrangement.

Even within Trans Nzoia County, Natembeya faces opposition from leaders who support the Ruto-Raila political deal.

Senator Allan Chesang and Woman Representative Lilian Siyoi are among his latest critics.

"I want you to tell Governor Natembeya to leave me alone. I’m not vying for governor," Siyoi recently stated.

Three weeks ago, Senator Chesang urged Natembeya to improve service delivery in Trans Nzoia hospitals, arguing that many health facilities were in a dire state.

Natembeya’s unwavering criticism of the government

Despite mounting pressure, Natembeya insists that he will not be silenced.

"I will tell President Ruto the truth. I will not sugarcoat anything. Kenyans are struggling with the high cost of living, unemployment, and a failing agricultural sector. If leaders won’t speak out, who will?" he said.

He also argues that the broad-based arrangement between Ruto and Raila reflects the growing frustration among opposition supporters, who feel betrayed by Raila’s decision to collaborate with Kenya Kwanza.

"I came into politics to serve the people, not to make secret deals. If something is wrong, I will say it—whether people like it or not," he asserted.

During former IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati’s burial on 8 March, Natembeya directly addressed President Ruto, criticising his decision to lift the vetting of individuals living along the Kenya-Somalia border when applying for national identification documents.

He further accused the Ruto administration of undermining devolution, telling Ruto, Mudavadi, and Wetang’ula that he would not shy away from pointing out the government’s mistakes.

It was the second time this year that Natembeya had publicly confronted Ruto’s administration in the President’s presence.

In January, Natembeya clashed with National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah during the burial of Wetang’ula’s father in Bungoma.

"The policy on vetting individuals applying for IDs in North Eastern Kenya was meant to prevent foreigners from obtaining documents and to curb terrorism," Natembeya stated.

He went on:

"Mr President, I want to tell you that vetting applicants for IDs was a wise decision. Scrapping it will open our borders to terrorists. When terrorists obtain our IDs, they can easily bypass security checks while carrying explosive materials. We are not saying Somalis should be denied IDs, but only genuine Kenyans should get them."

Natembeya also highlighted ongoing conflicts between county governments and the National Assembly over project implementation, with some governors and MPs battling in court over jurisdictional authority.

"Let counties implement their own projects, including those supported by conditional grants," he said.

Wetang’ula unbothered by Natembeya’s criticism

As Natembeya continues his attacks on Western Kenya’s top leaders, Speaker Wetang’ula has dismissed his remarks, insisting that he is not concerned with dissenting voices.

Speaking in Cherang’any, Wetang’ula stated that he prioritises forming alliances with like-minded leaders rather than engaging in petty political fights.

"I believe in the power of silence, and I have no time for divisive politics. My focus is beyond pettiness," he said.

Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe has also defended Wetang’ula, arguing that he holds a powerful position in the region.

"We fully support Wetang’ula’s leadership. He has taken up a significant role in national politics," Mugabe said.