Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has taken on National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula over his well-known nickname ‘Papa wa Roma’.

In an indirect criticism of Wetangula, Natembeya asserted that the community does not idolize individuals and does not tremble at the sight of the former Bungoma Senator.

“Sisi jamii yetu tulisema mambo ya kuworship watu tulitoka huko. Ati mtu akipita hapa sisi sote tunatetemeka ati Papa wa Roma.. Papa kitu gani?” Natembeya exclaimed.

Loosely translated as: “Our community decided we are done with idolizing individuals. When someone passes by, and we all start trembling, saying ‘Papa wa Roma,’ what does that even mean?”

Natembeya clinched the governorship on a DAP-K party ticket, defeating Chris Wamalwa of Ford-Kenya, led by Wetangula. The region is predominantly seen as a Ford-Kenya stronghold, leading to ongoing tensions.

The first-term governor believes that Wetangula should abandon the nickname as it conflicts with his religious beliefs. According to Natembeya, the Ford-Kenya leader is nowhere near the stature of the Pope.

“Pope ni moja pekee yake. Ukianza kusema wewe ni Pope na uko na bibi wawili hayo ni makosa bwana. Mimi ni Mkatoloki, Papa wa Roma ni mmoja,” Natembeya fired salvos.

Translation: “There is only one Pope. If you claim to be a Pope and have two wives, that’s a serious mistake. I am Catholic, and there is only one Roman Pope.”