Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has accused President William Ruto of using state institutions to intimidate political opponents, claiming investigations targeting him are politically motivated.
Speaking Tuesday, March 16, 2026, at Banda Nane in Sinyereri Ward during the Mbegu Initiative certified maize seeds distribution, the outspoken county chief alleged that the national government was deploying investigative agencies to settle political scores.
Natembeya claimed that institutions such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) were being used to harass leaders perceived to hold dissenting views.
“I have no problem with the EACC, but with President William Samoei Ruto who sends them to harass me,” Natembeya told a mammoth crowd that attended the event.
The governor challenged the Head of State to uphold the spirit of the Constitution and avoid turning public institutions into tools for political battles.
“President Ruto should re-read the Constitution and understand its tenets as he implements it. He should treat others the same way he would want to be treated once he leaves office,” Natembeya said.
Has Natembeya’s graft case been dismissed?
His remarks come in the wake of a notice of appeal filed by the government following a magistrate’s court ruling that cleared him of a corruption and conflict-of-interest case.
The governor said the continued probes by the anti-graft agency pointed to “malice” and an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
Natembeya also revisited political tensions surrounding the Cherangany parliamentary seat, stating that the constituency was not the preserve of any single community.
He suggested that his role in safeguarding votes for the current Member of Parliament during the 2022 General Election may have contributed to his current political troubles.
The governor defended his integrity, noting that he had served in the public administration for more than 26 years under three former presidents — Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta — without facing any criminal charges.
“I have a clean record. I worked for 26 years under Presidents Moi, Kibaki and Uhuru. None of them ever saw any fault in me, and now suddenly it is you who is seeing it?” he posed.
What is Natembeya’s political agenda?
Despite what he termed as persistent harassment, Natembeya vowed not to back down from his political agenda, insisting he would continue pushing for unity among Western Kenya communities and championing their socio-economic interests.
“I will not relent in uniting our people and fighting for their welfare,” he said.
The remarks add to the growing political tension between the Trans Nzoia governor and the national administration, signaling a deepening rift as leaders in the region position themselves ahead of future political contests.
Natembeya who was accompanied by members of his County Executive Committee, Chief Officers, MCAs and other county officials also distributed the certified maize seeds to residents of Waitaluk Ward at Tulwet center.
