A section of Sabaot community youths in Trans Nzoia County has dismissed claims made by some elders and politicians that the community has been discriminated against in the running of affairs in the devolved unit.
Addressing the press in Kitale, the youths led by Nickson Kutere said it was unfair for elders and politicians to complain yet some members from the cosmopolitan county were appointed to senior government positions.
“Truth be said, we the Sabaots have the largest stake in Natembeya’s government compared to other Kalenjin communities because we have the Deputy Governor, Trade CEC, Agriculture Chief Officer, over 5 directors and a sub-county administrator,” Kutere said.
He further stated that the remarks made by former Saboti ward Member of County Assembly David Kapoloman demeaned and disrespected Governor George Natembeya.
“My brother Kapoloman, branding Governor George Natembeya as Pharaoh was the highest degree of disrespect and that ought not to have come from you,” he added.
On his part, Trikoy Chemos said Natembeya has accommodated members of the majority of ethnic communities domiciled in the cosmopolitan county.
Trans Nzoia is among the counties that have members from different communities among them Kikuyu, Kalenjin as well as Luhya who is the dominant tribe.
Open-door policy
“We all know very well that Natembeya did his best to distribute all the appointments within his powers amongst all the tribes in Trans Nzoia County,” Chemos said.
He further asked all the members of the Sabaot community dissatisfied with Natembeya’s administration to take advantage of the Governor’s open-door policy to present their grievances.
“If at all you feel aggrieved, our Governor’s office is always open and he has a listening ear. Just book an appointment and present your petitions to him,” Chemos appealed.
Over the weekend, a section of Sabaot elders condemned George Natembeya for opposing the creation of Mount Elgon County.
Natembeya has however insisted that no part of the county will be hived off to create the proposed new county.
Mount Elgon is among five additional counties that Kuria East Member of Parliament Marwa Kitayama wants to create.
The proposal is contained in a constitutional amendment bill submitted to the National Assembly in November 2022.
Others are Kuria, Teso, East Pokot as well as Mwingi counties.
