Natembeya shuts down defection claims after hosting CS Murkomen in Kitale

Natembeya said protocol required him to welcome all senior officials, including Murkomen, visiting the region.

by BY MATHEWS NDANYI

News31 July 2025 - 07:00

In Summary

The governor said the CS first paid a courtesy call at the county commissioner’s office and protocol required that the commissioner take him to the county government offices to sign the visitors' book.
“That is what we did. All the speculation about politics after that is cheap propaganda that does not change my opposition to the Kenya Kwanza regime,” Natembeya said.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, when they met in Kitale on July 28, 2025/HANDOUT

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has assured his supporters he will not join the Kenya Kwanza government.

He dismissed as propaganda speculation that arose after he hosted Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen in the county office in Kitale on Monday.

He said Murkomen has been touring all the counties and protocol required him to welcome all senior government officials visiting the region and there is nothing wrong with him hosting the CS in his office.

The governor said the CS first paid a courtesy call at the county commissioner’s office and protocol required that the commissioner take him to the county government offices to sign the visitors' book.

“That is what we did. All the speculation about politics after that is cheap propaganda that does not change my opposition to the Kenya Kwanza regime,” Natembeya said.

He said he is among those seeking to change things in the country, which he said is headed in the wrong direction.

“My stand and that of my colleagues is still firm that we have to work for change in our country and we are already paying the price for it. I cannot just change because Murkomen has come to my office,” Natembeya said.

The county chief said there is no way he is going to run away from his office just because the CS is visiting the county.

“The CS had his own engagements, which went on after that as I travelled to Nairobi for Senate meetings,” he said.

Natembeya said those in the opposition had taken a stand, which they would firmly defend to the end.

“We are already paying the price for what we say. We are bearing the consequences with dignity and grace. I have been in government and I know when the government is rattled, it can even jail you,” he said.

Natembeya said he had worked in government for long and being offered a CS position does not cause any difference.

“I have no business joining the government for any position. I'm an elected governor and I ask our people to also be serious and take a position that benefits all of us and not support cheap politics or government positions that are for selfish gain,” he said.

Murkomen was in the region for the Jukwaa La Usalama forum.