Anger at leaders' flippant remarks amid abductions terror and pain

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

The spat between Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, along with other leaders over the abduction of youths in the country, has elicited condemnation across the board.

The vicious exchange of words among leaders during the burial of Anne Nanyama, mother of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, in Bungoma has outraged Kenyans over the lack of decorum by leaders during sombre occasions like funerals, State functions, and particularly in the presence of President William Ruto.

The war of words was sparked by Natembeya when he asked President Ruto to put an end to the abduction of youths and government critics, a statement that infuriated Ichung’wah, who is also the Leader of Majority in the National Assembly.

Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, who attended the burial and witnessed the leaders trading jibes, expressed his displeasure on his X account, particularly at the remarks made by President Ruto’s allies.

Sifuna was angered by how leaders were trying to gag Kenyans on their freedom of speech, arguing that the leaders were ignorant of the Constitution and that social media was not the problem plaguing Kenyans, but rather the bad policies.

“I have been shocked beyond words by some of the speeches. If those who spoke are the people he (President Ruto) listens to, Ruto is in more trouble than he knows. Freedom of speech cannot be limited beyond the limitations in Article 33,” read the statement.

He went on, “Even that Computer Misuse Law those ignorant leaders have cited is unconstitutional. Social media is not the problem. The problem is the policies of this regime that continue to hurt Kenyans.”

Vihiga Senator and ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi termed the events as unfortunate and hit out at Ichung’wah, stating that abduction is not something to celebrate, and it must be condemned by all leaders.

“Abduction is not something to celebrate. It should be condemned regardless of who is doing it, and if they are abducting themselves, the police should arrest them and take them before a court of law. It is unfortunate that the government seems to be helpless,” said Osotsi.

He went on, “It is true there are abductions. As leaders, it is important we talk about it, and the government should deal with this issue instead of crying foul and blaming opponents.

‘‘Criminals must be arrested and charged, and those using it for political mileage must be arrested. We have police and those abducting themselves, if there is any truth to it, must also be arrested.”

He added, “Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua started speaking out on the issue of shares, and it came to haunt him.

‘‘Ichung’wah seems to be following suit because I am sure the President did not authorise what he spoke about regarding abductions. It is wrong for an outsider to come to the funeral of a high-ranking leader like Wetangula and start lecturing one of our own. He must respect our people,” said Osotsi.

Sycophant

However, some leaders condemned the Leader of Majority in the National Assembly, terming him a sycophant to the Head of State, whose emotions control his conduct and thinking.

According to Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, Ichung’wah is overly excited whenever he is in the presence of the President, and he is ready to rub any government critic the wrong way, regardless of the situation, adding that the lawmaker carries himself in a manner to please and endear himself to the President.

“The Majority Leader suffers from a disease. The disease is caused by extreme pressure and anxiety to impress your senior so that he/she can see and love you.

‘‘The disease cannot be treated. Visible symptoms are excitement in front of your boss, leading to one saying anything believable or not, to make the boss feel good,” said Mukunji.

Senior Counsel Donald Kipkorir termed Ichung’wah’s claims about self-abduction by abductees as insensitive remarks.

“To claim that Rigathi Gachagua and Natembeya are the ones conducting abductions or that the abductees are self-abducting must be the most insensitive statement of 2025. The government’s security agencies have a monopoly on information and knows who the abductors are.

‘‘They must have the abductors brought to court soon. One day, the abductors will face justice, and they will truly regret it,” read Kipkorir’s post on X.

Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga also described the statement by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, telling parents not to cry when the law catches up with their children for failing to teach them good morals, as inhuman and immoral.

“This outburst is inhuman and immoral,” Mutunga wrote on his X account.

The Speaker of the Senate sought to reinforce the President’s message of good parenting.

“Wahenga wanasema asiyefunzwa na mamaye atafunzwa na ulimwengu. Hawa watoto ambao wanaoleta shida ni watoto wako majumbani kwetu. Wewe kama mzazi ukishindwa, ulimwengu hauta shindwa. Na ulimwengu ukimwandama mtoto wako usiwe wa kwanza kupiga mayowe. (The sages say that he who is not taught by his mother will be taught by the world. If you as a parent fail, the world will not fail. And if the world comes after your child, don’t be the first to scream),” Kingi said.

Governor Natembeya has vowed to speak boldly on issues affecting Kenyans despite intimidation from Kenya Kwanza leaders.

In a statement released on Saturday, hours after the war of words, Natembeya alleged that Kenyans are currently suffering, struggling with poverty, and facing violations of the Constitution such as extra-judicial killings and abductions.

He condemned the insults hurled at him by some politicians when he boldly told President Ruto to end the abduction of youths.

“At the sombre funeral of Mama Anne Nanyama Wetangula, I was the subject of severe verbal attacks by some political leaders through a litany of insults and profanity directed at my persona,” said Natembeya.

He denied the accusation that he was involved in forced disappearances and extra-judicial killings during the previous regime when he served as the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner.

“I am not an abductor or murderer. I didn’t orchestrate the death of innocent Kenyans during the past regime as claimed by some political leaders. Let it be known that George Natembeya served as a diligent, honest, and truthful servant to the people of Kenya,” he asserted.

He went on, “I resigned as the Regional Commissioner without strain or scandal, and my commitment as Regional Commissioner endeared me to the people of Trans Nzoia, who voted me to be their second governor,” he said.

Natembeya said he boldly told the President to order the end of abductions and release the abductees, especially youths, back to their families because their families are undergoing painful trauma while some politicians are busy dancing and enjoying the trappings of power.

He defended his decision to ask President Ruto to act on abductions and extra-judicial killings, arguing that it did not mean to undermine him.

“We have the duty to remind State organs to adhere to the rule of law and the Constitution’s principles. Those lecturing me lack emotional intelligence. They get carried away by euphoric cheers senselessly without assessing the unforeseen consequences of their loose mouths. I condemn the shameful utterances in the strongest terms possible. I will not be cowed or stopped by hired street hoodlums.’’

Additional reporting by Osinde Obare.