Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya/HANDOUT Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has dismissed claims by President William Ruto that his Tawe Movement is frustrating development projects in the county.
Natembeya accused the President of unfairly blaming the opposition for delays in development, saying the national government had a constitutional obligation to serve all Kenyans, including those who support rival political formations.
Speaking in response to Ruto’s remarks during a rally in Endebess on Saturday, the governor said residents of Trans Nzoia pay taxes and should not be disadvantaged because of their political affiliations.
“He has come to Endebess and tells people Natembeya does not want development with his Tawe Movement,” Natembeya said.
“Development is for everybody, including the people of Trans Nzoia. They also pay taxes.”
The governor challenged leaders from the region to ensure that resources allocated by the national government reach the county, arguing that elected representatives have a responsibility to speak up for their constituents.
“We have lawmakers from this region who should ensure money from the national government comes to Trans Nzoia. That is why they say there shall be no taxation without representation,” he said.
Natembeya maintained that the Constitution provides clear guidelines on equitable development and the right of political leaders to belong to the opposition.
He urged Ruto to follow the law and uphold the principles of equality and fairness instead of linking development to political support.
“To bring development, the President should just follow the law. Equality and fairness are well addressed by the Constitution,” Natembeya said.
“The law also allows us to be in the Opposition. It is not my work to praise you; my work is to keep you in check.”
During his Endebess rally, Ruto criticised opponents in the county, accusing them of using opposition politics to frustrate government programmes and delay development projects.
The President said his administration remained committed to improving infrastructure and healthcare services in the region, insisting that Trans Nzoia would not be left behind despite what he described as resistance to government initiatives.
“Even if you have some leadership problems of those opposing everything, I want to assure you that I will not allow Trans Nzoia to be left behind. I will not accept that,” Ruto said.
The President also cited delays in a planned hospital project, claiming that funding and plans were available but that opposition to government initiatives had slowed implementation.
He promised to address the delays and ensure the county benefited from the administration’s development agenda.
