Natembeya to Ruto: You will not stop my Western unity drive

DAP-K deputy party leader and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya addresses the Press at a Nairobi hotel, on August 12, 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has accused President William Ruto of using State agencies to intimidate him.

Natembeya said his recent arrest and detention over corruption allegations were part of the scheme by the State to stop him from championing unity and development for the people of Western Kenya.

Speaking at the Nabongo Mumia Cultural Centre in Matungu, Kakamega County, Natembeya said no amount of intimidation would stop his quest for unity.

“He should stop sending people to arrest me for speaking to my people,” said Natembeya.

He added: “You have seen me spend a night in a police cell, but as long as I am alive and have a mouth, I will continue championing for the interests of my people. Arrests and intimidation will not make me relent.”

He accused Ruto’s government of sidelining western Kenya in development.

“The President has taken development to other regions, while we have only been brought food and ceremonies,” he said.

Natembeya also took a swipe at Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, saying they had failed to secure development opportunities for the region.

“We need to throw them out and chart our own path. The only thing they are doing is to enrich themselves,” he said.

Natembeya chided some of the Luhya elders whom he accused of being compromised by Mudavadi, a day after he was endorsed by Vihiga elders to be the region’s spokesperson.

This was after some elders dismissed Natembeya's endorsement.

On Thursday, a group of elders allied to Mudavadi dismissed the endorsement of Natembeya by their peers, saying that Mudavadi was their spokesperson.

The Governor’s meeting with Wanga elders was interrupted when a group of youths tried to block him from accessing the venue.

The group threw stones at residents and guests who had gathered to receive the Governor, forcing many to flee for safety before police intervened.

Natembeya was later escorted into the compound by the police and received by the elders, who went ahead with the blessings ceremony.