Natembeya: I don't disrespect Mudavadi and Wetangula

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya when he appeared before the County Public Accounts Committee on June 20, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has dismissed claims that he disrespects National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

The governor insisted that he was only pointing out errors of commission by the two leaders and his actions should not be misconstrued as attacks on the two leaders.

He said he respects Wetang'ula and Mudavadai and slammed critics for hitting out at him for pointing out the shortcomings of the Kenya Kwanza leaders.

"Those criticising me for pointing out political mistakes of top western Kenya leaders are not genuine in insinuating that I lack respect for Wetang'ula and Mudavadi," Natembeya said during the burial of Margaret Kakai jn Naitiri ward in Tongaren constituency Bungoma county.

He argued that the Mulembe Nation would only benefit from a leadership with a say on the negotiating table.

"If your brother eats, is it you getting satisfied? Our people would only benefit when we have a political negotiation that we have a say and not political invitations," he said.

Natembeya said political idolising was to blame for the high poverty rate in the region and urged leaders to champion the development interests of residents.

He told Ford Kenya, Secretary General Murumba Chikati, who was present, not to be part of the bandwagon idolising politicians who have impoverished the community.

"My brother Chikati, we cannot continue idolising tribal chiefs who, while in Kanu, fought architects of the second liberation. You and I can do better if you disembark from that vehicle in the rocks," said Natembeya amid cheers from mourners.

Democratic Action Party of Kenya Secretary General Eseli Simiyu told Chikati to stop blame game and deliver for the people.

The Ford Kenya Secretary General steered clear of politics and lauded Natembeya's economic agenda for Trans Nzoia.