Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has launched a scathing attack on Daadab MP Farah Maalim, after the latter called for the county chief’s expulsion from Kenya.
In a statement on Thursday, April 24 night, Governor Natembeya the lawmaker’s statement is inflammatory and undermines Kenya’s cohesion and integration.
“I have taken note of the reckless and deeply troubling remarks by a certain politicians who not only questioned my nationality but even suggested I be expelled from Kenya. Such incendiary statements are false, inflammatory, and strike at the very heart of our shared identity as Kenyans,” Natembeya wrote.
Natembeya clarified that he was born and raised in Kenya, and that he had devoted his entire career to public service—from the early days as a Regional Commissioner in high-pressure zones to his current role as Governor of Trans-Nzoia County.
In blowing his own trumpet, Natembeya said that his track record demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the welfare, security, and development of all Kenyans, irrespective of ethnicity or region. “No individual—political opponent or otherwise—possesses the moral or legal authority to question my Kenyan identity or strip any citizen of their birthright.”
MP Maalim found issues with Natembeya when the former North Rift Regional Commissioner faulted President William Ruto for abolishing for ID issuance in North Frontier region.
Nonetheless, Natembeya maintains his stance that the president erred. “My recent call for the reinstatement of robust vetting procedures for national identity issuance in North Eastern Kenya arose solely from concerns over national security.”
He says that border regions have unique challenges—ranging from cross-border movement to the threat of illicit networks—that demand prudent safeguards.
“To brand this duty-driven appeal as “discrimination” is a distortion of both fact and intent. Every responsible leader must raise the alarm when processes intended to protect our people are weakened. Rejection of Hate-Filled Rhetoric Worse still was the invocation of genocidal tropes—the so-called “Rwanda way” and “DRC way”—in an attempt to justify punitive measures against me. Such references are abhorrent. They conjure memories of mass violence and stand in direct opposition to Kenya’s hard-won peace and stability.”
Natembeya further said that he will not be cowed and that he is more concerned with advancing policies that put Kenya—and all her people—ahead of partisan politics. “I will continue to; Speak boldly on matters of security and governance, guided by facts and the public interest..Secondly, Lead justly, ensuring every community in Trans-Nzoia feels heard, protected, and empowered and lastly, serve diligently, with transparency and respect for the rule of law. My voice will not be silenced by threats, nor will my mission be derailed by the politics of fear.”
