Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has dared his political opponents to bring on a impeachment motion against him because of the tough stand he has taken especially concerning Western Kenya politics and the wave of abductions.
He said he was aware the schemers planned to use up to Sh5 million to bribe... for him to be kicked out.
“I was elected by the people of
Trans Nzoia and a few people can
not just remove me from office. I
don’t think our MCAs are so naive
to be used in such a scheme,” he said.
The governor charged that those scheming to remove him were the same people behind the recent abduction of youths who came out to stand for freedoms and rights and for a just society. He spoke in his office in Kitale on Wednesday.
“Those talking of impeaching Natembeya are the same people who were abducting youths because they are intolerant of alternative views, yet the law clearly provides for freedom of expression.”
There is widespread talk of an impeachment motion against Natembeya at the Trans Nzoia county assembly after the governor a week ago engaged in a political confrontation with some Kenya Kwanza leaders during the burial of the mother of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula in Bungoma.
Natembeya in the presence of President William Ruto condemned abduction of youths and dismissed some of the political leaders from the Luhya community for failing the community.
His sentiments sparked a bitter reaction from the Kenya Kwanza leaders, including National Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Wetang’ula and Chief Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
The governor now says he exercised his freedom of expression and wondered why someone should think of looking for nonexistent reasons to impeach him.
“Those who think of such impeachment are dictators because they believe maybe my political star is rising and I am a threat to them.”
The governor said Kenya has a transformative constitution but there are some people who do not believe in the rights and freedoms enshrined in it and were now looking for reasons and signatures to impeach him.
Natembeya said would not be scared and would continue to speak out on issues which he believes are for the good of all Kenyans.
“That’s is why after I talked in Bungoma the abductors released our youth who had been missing and I will continue to speak out not because want top leadership but because of the welfare of Kenyans”, he said.
Natembeya said he would continue to push his Tawe Movement which stands for the political, social and economic rights of the people of western Kenyan and the entire country.
A group of residents led by Paul Njami also vowed to defend Natembeya. Trouble started at the burial of Wetang’ula’s mother after Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli said some youths were abducting themselves.
When Natembeya addressed the mourners he said: “I say this with a very heavy heart. For a leader to stand here and say people are abducting and killing themselves, is unfortunate. It is not for this hallowed grounds.”
“Our children are getting lost and killed; that is the position.”
Ichung’wah and other Kenya Kwanza leaders lashed out at him. On Monday, Natembeya threatened to sue for defamation and issued a demand letter to Ichung’wah asking him to apologise.
Through Oringe Waswa & Opiny Advocates, Natembeya said: “The words you uttered in front of the huge gathering directed to our client meant and were understood that our client is a murderer, unethical, unprofessional and dismal public servant who was in charge of killing Kenyans and dumping them in River Yala.
“Our client demands, which we hereby do, that you attend to the foregoing within 3 days failing which proceedings will be instituted against you holding you liable for all consequential costs and expenses.”
But in a rejoinder Ichung’wah, through Adrian Kamotho Njenga & Company Advocates, dared Natembeya for a legal battle, saying he was ready to take him head-on.
“Should your client succumb to fantasy and proceed with any misguided action against our client, the same shall be subjected to a high voltage legal counter, at your client’s peril as to costs,” Ichung’wah’slawyers said.
“Any suit your client contemplates
against ours will be futile and dismissed at the outset.”
The Kikuyu MP’s lawyers added,
“At the time our client spoke, your
client was present and could be seen
smiling and nodding enthusiastically.”
