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| TransNzoia Governor George Natembeya |
TransNzoia Governor George Natembeya has addressed recent concerns regarding his stance on working with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, amidst public discussions about the role of tribal affiliation in Kenyan politics. Natembeya, a prominent leader of the Luhya community, has been vocal about the challenges his people face, particularly the low living standards and underrepresentation in key sectors.
In his recent statement, Governor Natembeya clarified that his focus is not on dividing Kenyans along tribal lines, but rather on addressing the socio-economic challenges affecting the Luhya community. He emphasized the need for the Luhya people to rise above poverty and improve their representation in decision-making processes, particularly in positions that impact their daily lives, such as in agriculture, security, and leadership roles.
“As the Governor of TransNzoia and a leader of the Luhya community, I have a responsibility to speak up for the improvement of my people’s living standards,” said Natembeya. “We need to ensure that our people are not only represented, but are also in positions where they can actively contribute to the nation’s growth. My goal is to uplift my people, not divide them.”
The governor's remarks come after his previous comments about the need for more inclusive leadership, which some critics linked to former Deputy President Gachagua’s own public statements about regional leadership and representation. Gachagua has been known for emphasizing the importance of leaders advocating for their own communities, particularly those from the Mount Kenya region, during his tenure as deputy president.
Natembeya dismissed the notion that his political views are aligned with Gachagua’s in a way that would undermine national unity. He argued that in Kenyan politics, it is common for leaders to collaborate across different political divides, and working together for the greater good should not be viewed as a betrayal, but as a strategic move to ensure development.
“Politics is about building relationships and alliances to move the country forward. If working with Gachagua or anyone else will benefit the people of TransNzoia and Kenya as a whole, then it is a path we should be willing to take,” Natembeya remarked. “This is not about tribalism or division, but about ensuring that we have the right leadership in place to bring about positive change.”
The governor further noted that political coalitions, including Kenya Kwanza and Azimio, were formed from leaders across different communities with the shared goal of national development. He stressed that such coalitions should not be seen as a threat, but rather as an opportunity to bring together diverse perspectives and resources.
Reflecting on his own political journey, Natembeya acknowledged his rise from District Officer (DO) to Regional Commissioner, indicating his experience in public service and leadership. “If the situation arises where we can work together with any leader, including Gachagua, for the sake of our people, we will not hesitate,” he added.
As the political landscape in Kenya continues to evolve, Natembeya’s remarks suggest that collaboration between leaders from different regions and political affiliations may be more common in the future, provided it aligns with the interests of the people.