Near empty seats during Madaraka Day Celebrations at Lessos Primary school in Kitale townTrans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya skipped the Madaraka Day celebrations held in Kitale town, where low turnout forced the county commissioner to address rows of empty seats.
Instead, Natembeya sent his health executive, Sam Ojwang, to read a speech that was laced with protest over his recent arrest on corruption allegations.
Earlier in the week, the governor had signalled he would not attend the event, citing political frustration and what he called unjust treatment.
“There’s nothing to go and celebrate if we still have to suffer primitive actions many years after independence,” Natembeya had said.
Only a small crowd attended the ceremony. Many walked away after the parade, leaving county commissioner Gidion Oyagi and Ojwang to address a nearly empty venue.
Oyagi urged residents to maintain peace and unity, and to support government development programmes.
“Peace and unity are the cornerstones of our success as a county and as a country,” he said.
In his written message, Natembeya paid tribute to the men and women who, 62 years ago, ushered in self-rule. He praised their courage, unity, and sacrifice, saying it laid the foundation for freedoms Kenyans now enjoy.
“But as we honour their legacy, we must ask ourselves, is this the Kenya they envisioned? Is this the Kenya we deserve? Or can we rise to something greater?” he asked.
The governor said the country was backsliding on freedoms won through struggle.
“We must reclaim the freedom our forefathers fought for — a freedom rooted in justice, dignity, and equal opportunity for all,” he said.
He added that Kenyans deserved a better country than what they have now.
“We must boldly condemn the ways in which we, whether as a society or through leadership, sometimes turn around and deny that very freedom to our own people through oppression, the silencing of dissent, or unjust systems that betray the promises of independence,” he said.
His remarks appeared to reflect discontent over his recent arrest and ongoing investigations.
“As we reflect on the journey of our nation, let this be more than a commemoration. Let it be a renewed commitment to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of every Kenyan, and to holding any government accountable when it fails to serve its people,” he said.
Natembeya vowed to continue what he called the fight for a just society.
Some locals said frustrations with the governor had dimmed the Madaraka Day mood.
