Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has publicly clashed with President William Ruto’s long-time aide, Farouk Kibet, over development in Western Kenya.
Natembeya, who has been a strong critic of Ruto’s administration, told Farouk to face him if he has any misgivings about his leadership.
“Do not think that because you are close to the President, you can lecture us. I do not fear you; come and face me. Do not speak from the periphery. It is as simple as that,” the governor told a public meeting over the weekend.
Natembeya told Kenyans to respect those in leadership positions but not to fear them.
“I was taught by my mother to respect people and leaders, for that matter. And I respect President Wiliam Ruto, but I do not fear him because he is also a human being,” he stated.
“When we start fearing the leadership, we are bringing dictatorship to our country.”
The governor emphasised that the country belongs to all Kenyans and not a group of people.
“The President eats ugali and sour milk just like me, he sleeps just like me, he has bad and good dreams just like me, and he was born by a woman just like me. Why the should we fear each other yet Kenya belongs to all of us,” he posed.
Speaking in Malava in Kakamega County earlier, Farouk accused Natembeya of being a stumbling block to development in Western Kenya.
“I heard a complaint, and I want to ask you something. Natembeya is saying I should not visit Malava; is that possible?” he said.
Natembeya has strongly criticised Ruto’s recent tour of Western Kenya, arguing that the region has been neglected in terms of development.
Natembeya further called out Ruto’s handlers, accusing them of misleading the president on the needs and priorities of the people of Western Kenya.
He urged Ruto to reconsider his close circle of advisors, arguing that they deceive him rather than relay the true needs of the people on the ground.
Natembeya expressed disappointment over Western Kenya’s lack of development and emphasised that the region deserves equal infrastructure projects like other parts of the country.
