By Anderson Ojwang
The Tawe Movement is gearing up for a battle royale and has declared that no amount of threat will silence his voice.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, a self-declared leader of a political outfit, Tawe Movement, in a hard-hitting statement said that his mission will not be derailed by politics of fear.
“My voice will not be silenced by threats, nor will my mission be derailed by the politics of fear,” he wrote in his X handle.
Natembeya, a critic of President William Ruto’s administration and Luhya leaders including the Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, is emerging as one of the top national and Luhya politicians.
Natembeya has often criticized Wetang’ula and Mudavadi for failing to articulate the Luhya community agenda in the government and also failing to unite the community to national leadership.
Natembeya has maintained that he is a Kenyan and dedicated to serving the country diligently.
He wrote “I have taken note of the reckless and deeply troubling remarks by a certain politician 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.
My Roots and Service
Let me be unequivocal: I was born in Kenya, raised in Kenya, educated in Kenya, and have devoted my entire career to public service in this country—from my early days as a Regional Commissioner in high-pressure zones to my current role as Governor of Trans-Nzoia County.
My track record demonstrates 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,”
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, when he spoke at the parliament, attacked Natembeya for opposing issuance of identity cards without vetting.
Junet called for Natembeya’s deportation, claiming his remarks showed he was not a Kenyan.
“Mr. Speaker, I was shocked when I saw a governor of Trans Nzoia shouting at the top of his voice in Mt Elgon, saying that some Kenyans should not be given identity cards. Some of the people who have served in provincial administration and having a colonial mentality, he deserves not to lead anyone in Kenya. He is running a county bordering Uganda, why is he discriminating against Kenyans?” he said.
But Natembeya has maintained that his call arose from concern over national security saying Junet distorted the facts to suit his political interest.
“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. 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.
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. I condemn this language in the strongest possible terms. Our political discourse must never stoop to threats or dehumanization.
A Call for Unity and Truth
As Governor, I remain unwavering in my pledge to 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.
I invite all Kenyans—across ethnic, regional, and political divides—to reject hate, embrace truth, and work together for the prosperity and security of our nation.
