• Elders from all communities said they were unanimously supporting Natembeyo to revive the county that had fallen to the bottom.
• We unanimously chose you as heir. Pick up the mantle and work for the people and make devolution a reality,’’ Richard Walukano said.
George Natembeya’s bid to become Trans Nzoia's second governor has been endorsed by about 500 elders from the cosmopolitan region.
The elders who were drawn from virtually all communities said on Saturday unanimously supported the former Rift Valley administrator to revive the county economy that had slipped down the ranks.
"We have unanimously chosen you as a heir to outgoing Governor Patrick Khaemba so that you can build on what he stated.
"Pick up the mantle and work for the people and make devolution a reality,"Richard Walukano said. He is chairman of the Bukusu Elders Council council.
Completion of all the stalled and ongoing development projects projects will spur economic growth in the rich agricultural zone, he said.
Members of all councils of elders, except the Nandi and Sabaot, had convened at Natembeya's Baraka home in Kiminini constituency.
They raised their hands to give him their blessings and provide political direction to the people of Trans Nzoia.
Joining the meeting were Luhya Council of Elders chairman Patrick Wangamati, former Minister Dr Noah Wekesa, former MPs Joash Wamang’oli, David Wafula, Trans Nzoia Assembly Speaker Joshua Werunga and former PS Engineer Samuel Akute. they deliberated on development programmes needed to jumpstart the ailing economy.
The elders promised to fully support the former administrator to clinch the seat in the August 9 general election and to support ODM leader Raila Odinga in his presidential quest.
“It was great meeting elders from all the communities living in Trans Nzoia county. I am greatly humbled by your support, blessings, and commitment of faith in me and I promise not to let you down," Natembeya said.
Werunga who is running for Trans Nzoia senator said the county had lagged behind in development for a decade and that it needed a quick and radical surgery.
We must all stand up to be counted by speaking the truth on the underdevelopment this county has undergone at the hands of Ford Kenya. We must all reject those seeking for leadership on Ford Kenya, he said.
He hit out at Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula for impoverishing Trans Nzoia by having all contracts done by residents of his county (Bungoma). Wetang'ula denies wrongdoing.
Engineer Akute who is the Azimio-One Kenya Secretariat leader in Trans Nzoia said that all elders were in accord that only Natembeya who can bring about meaningful development, owing to his track record.
“Let us say the truth. Natembeya did a commendable job during his tenure as RC. He has a track record that is unrivaled and it's time for all residents to vote for him to deliver on his promise of making this County great again," he said.
Iteso Council of Elders Patron Alfred Oskuku said, “We have sat down together as elders from the communities. We have analysed manifestos of all seeking governorship and we have concluded that Natembeya is the best bet for Trans Nzoia."
They requested Natembeya to form an all inclusive government to accommodate everyone, irrespective of political party affiliation.
Natembeya promised that administration will be all inclusive to show the full face of Kenya.
He also promised to improve all roads in all the five sub counties oto help spur economic growth.
"I will have to prioritise construction of roads in all the five subcounties to make them passable . Most of the roads are in a poor state," Natembeya said
*Edited by V. Graham)