Musalia, Wetang'ula now strike back at Natembeya

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, COTU Sec General Francis Atwoli and Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula during the burial service of the mother of DPP Renson Igonga the late Femina Khayisio at Makunga primary school in Mumias East on May 11, 2024. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula have criticised Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya for constantly attacking them and claimed the first-term governor will destroy himself.

The duo who were speaking in Mumias East constituency at the funeral of Femina Khayisio, the mother of Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga, cautioned Natembeya to tread carefully if he wished to build a career in politics.

Drawing from their combined political experience that spans over 60 years, the two said they deserved unmerited respect from new leaders, especially from Western Kenya where they enjoy a significant following.

"To those young men who got to politics the other day, if you see people with over 30 years in politics like Musalia and I, just honour them. The two of us have been in politics for 31 and 35 years respectively and that is enough for you to respect us if you see nothing else good in us," said Wetang'ula.

In a subtle attack on Natembeya, he painted gloom on Natembeya's political career. 

"You will not go far by abusing others in public spaces like funerals…You will only get blessed abundantly if you respect yourself and respect others."

In the recent past, Natembeya has intensified his efforts to water down the influence of Mudavadi and Wetang'ula, whom he has characterised as political baggage for the Mulembe nation.

Yesterday, however, the two political titans hit back at Natembeya and claimed he is a league below them in politics.

"You are in the village and still abusing Musalia and Wetang'ula. For all it takes, I will never be a governor. I did my role as an MP and I am done, for heaven's sake don't talk about Musalia but tell the people what you are going to do. Build them hospitals, schools, and all you wish. That will give you confidence in your people," said Mudavadi.

Natembeya has gained notoriety for questioning the relevance of the two leaders' long stay in office as younger and visionary leaders like Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto bypassed them to become president.

"The two senior leaders will attack Natembeya the person and not the issues of non-employment, poverty, disease, and equitable share or resource that I keep raising," said Natembeya in a phone interview.

He maintained his push against what he describes as bad governance will continue.

Public Service CS Moses Kuria challenged the National Assembly to pass revolutionary legislation that would see the birth of industrial parks across the country to boost employment and spur industrialisation.

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya thanked the President for a hold move he'd made in reviving the sugar sub-sector, particularly Mumias Sugar.