"We have a difference in perspective," Natembeya on Wetangula row

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya maintains he has no personal problem with the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, but rather a difference in perspective.

Natembeya, speaking on Citizen TV on Thursday, April 4, said he has reservations regarding Wetang’ula’s leadership style in the Luhya community, accusing him of exploitation for personal gains.

The two leaders have been at loggerheads with each other, trying to assert their leadership in the Western Region.

"I have some reservations about our community's direction (Luhya) is taking. The speaker position has been granted to the community for almost 30 years, but the Luhya still remains divided. There is no unity. When it comes to government positions, the Luhya community is left behind," claimed Natembeya.

Despite having leaders in the top cadres, Natembeya averred that people in Western are living in abject poverty and no development has been witnessed for years.

Burial Chaos

Addressing the chaos that erupted between his supporters and those of Wetang’ula at a burial in Trans Nzoia last month, the governor condemned the incident, calling on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to speed up the investigations.

Natembeya said that he had been warned that there was a plan to jeer him, a day before the funeral, and had been advised against attending the function.

"The deceased was my staff and I could not fail to attend the event," he said.

The Trans Nzoia County boss’ remarks come a day after Wetang’ula asked leaders to lead with decorum, respect, and dignity during an event in Lugari, Kakamega County.

“Those who resort to hurling insults at others will soon realise their irrelevance in the society,” said the Speaker.