Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has dismissed the Kenya Kwanza empowerment programmes as a mockery, claiming President William Ruto’s administration is hoodwinking Kenyans ahead of the next general election.
Natembeya said the funds and equipment being distributed under the initiative are too little to make any real difference in people’s lives.
“How is giving people money that ends up being shared at Sh20 each empowerment? That is laughable,” he said, questioning the source of the funds.
The governor claimed the regime is clueless about the country’s challenges and is implementing policies that only worsen the economy.
Speaking at Naitiri in Bungoma county, he urged residents of Western Kenya to forge a united political front, saying the region had been sidelined in development due to poor leadership.
The county boss argued that while the region contributes heavily in taxes, it remains underdeveloped. “Our vote has only benefited leaders from other regions, who are now channeling projects to their areas. The Luhya community will not accept to be used politically again,” he said.
Natembeya vowed to continue pushing for fairness in resource allocation. He cited recent promotions of residents in the disciplined forces as proof that the government can listen when pressured.
“A few months ago, I pushed for promotions in the disciplined services. Today, some of our people hold higher ranks. This is the way to go, Kenyans must be treated equally,” he said.
He further slammed the government’s high taxation policies, saying they have driven companies out of business and worsened youth unemployment.
Natembeya also criticised the leasing of Nzoia Sugar Company land. “How do you give away 24,000 acres for 30 years at only Sh50,000 per acre? That is corruption. Leaders slept on the job and allowed our people’s property to be sold off,” he said.
Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, who attended the event, echoed Natembeya’s sentiments and blamed Ford Kenya politics for stalling development in Bungoma.
“In my last year, I set aside Sh400 million for scholarships, but Ford Kenya MCAs blocked the budget until the Controller of Budget intervened. Ford Kenya has grounded development in this region; we must block them politically,” Wangamati said.
Wangamati said he faced more than 60 court cases during his tenure, but pledged to back Natembeya’s political ambitions. “From our history, no leader is given power. They fight for it. We must support Governor Natembeya because no one will just hand him leadership,” he said.
