Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has come to the defense of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya following a public confrontation with allies of President William Ruto.
Speaking on Sunday, January 5, Gachagua urged Natembeya to remain focused on his service to the people of Trans Nzoia County and ignore critics attempting to distract him.
“Please do not let the Court Poets and Masters of Platitude distract you from delivering for the people of Trans Nzoia County. These Court Jesters are on the misguided assignment of providing comic relief to their master,” Gachagua said.
His statement, which appeared to highlight growing political tensions within the ruling coalition, praised Natembeya’s courage in addressing national issues. Gachagua further encouraged the governor to continue advocating for unity and protecting the dignity of the people he serves.
“Do not be cowed from speaking out on behalf of the people of Kenya when it’s necessary. The rants and tirades being thrown at you are clear evidence that you are making an impact by speaking truth to power. My prayer is that you will continue to do so, and to unite your people while protecting their dignity and political pride. This unity, I assure you, will ensure that your people’s interests remain front and center of any administration’s focus. May God continue to guide you,” Gachagua added.
The remarks come in the wake of a heated exchange between Natembeya and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah during the funeral of Mama Anne Nanyama Wetangula, the mother of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, on Friday, January 3.
Ichung’wah accused Natembeya of incitement and challenged him to provide the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) with any information regarding recent abductions.
“It is not to say there are no abductions—abductions are there. Governor Natembeya, if you know the abductors, you are a former regional commissioner. Give information to the DCI so they can investigate.
“I want to ask you, Governor Natembeya, you were a regional commissioner not long ago when people were abducted and killed in Kerio Valley. At that time, did you not know Kenyans’ lives were valuable? Let me tell you in broad daylight: the politics you are engaging in, dividing Kenyans on tribal lines and inciting, will not succeed. Shame on you,” Ichung’wah said.
Governor Natembeya later attributed the attacks against him to his vocal stance on extrajudicial abductions.
“My commitment as a Regional Commissioner endeared me to the esteemed people of Trans Nzoia, who nurtured me to be their second governor. Some political leaders saw it fit to insult me because I boldly called on the President to order an end to abductions and to command the release of the abducted youths.
“The families of these abducted youths are experiencing untold trauma, not knowing the whereabouts of their children. As some leaders dance merrily, enjoying the trappings of power, a family somewhere can’t even stomach a glass of water due to the agony of losing a son who disappeared without a trace.
“Unfortunately, instead of addressing this matter of national concern, some leaders have chosen to divert attention by making baseless allegations against me,” Natembeya said.
The governor reiterated his commitment to standing with affected families and advocating for justice.
