Former Rift valley commissioner George Natembeya got a major boost in his bid to succeed outgoing Trans Nzoia governor Patrick Khaemba after his populous Bukusu community elders endorsed him.
Natembeya was backed after representatives from the Bukusu cultural elders council converged for a meeting at his Naisambu home in the Kiminini sub-county.
A section of elders from the same community led by David Daraja last month also endorsed Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa, a move that caused divisions among elders.
The Tuesday event brought together about 500 elders from the 5 sub-counties of Saboti, Kiminini, Endebes, Kwanza and Cherangany.
“Cognisant of the nearing end of the constitutional 10-year reign of governor Patrick Khaemba, we the Bukusu cultural elders council do hereby endorse our son Natembeya as our gubernatorial candidate,” Peter Masinde, a spokesman of the council said.
Mzee Masinde added: “We will also endeavor to seek support from all other tribes and electorates in Trans nzoia County”.
The elder further urged Trans Nzoia residents to back the ODM leader Raila Odinga in the August 9, presidential race.
“We also implore upon all people in this county and country at large to support ODM leader Raila Amollo Odinga to be our next president,” he added.
His sentiments were shared by other elders from the 17 sub-tribes of the Luhya nation who said that all elders had unanimously agreed to support Natembeya.
The Kabras chairman, former councillor Simon Losi Murwa said the community was supporting the former administrator because of his track record.
"We know that he will also be endorsed by our brothers from all over the county", he said.
In Trans Nzoia, the Luhya nation is the most populous community followed by the Kalenjins.
Natembeya is expected to enter into a political pact with the Sabaot, Kikuyu, Kisii, Maralwet, Pokot, Iteso Sengwer communities to form an all-inclusive government.
In an interview with the Star, Natembeya said that he had been humbled and honoured by the immense support and goodwill wishes from the larger Luhya community.
“I have promised my people progressive and transparent service delivery if elected to the office as the second Governor of Trans Nzoia," he said.
Natembeya is credited with fighting banditry, female genital mutilation FGM, early pregnancies, environmental conservation and promoting peace in the volatile North Rift during his tenure.
Trans Nzoia County has a population of 990,341 and covers an area of 2,495.5 square km.
The Cosmopolitan county whose residents are mainly farmers borders Uganda.
Kitale town is the capital of Trans Nzoia County which has 339,622 registered voters and 434 polling stations.
It also has 5 constituencies namely Endebes (43,189) Kwanza (65,643 ) Saboti, (76,802 )Kiminini (77,482 ) , Cherangany.(76,506 )and Kwanza (65, 643.)
