'Commando' returns: Governor Natembeya receives heroic welcome in Kitale

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya's convoy arrived in Kakamega town on Monday, May 26, 2025. Natembeya received a warm reception in Kakamega, telling his supporters that he is a  Luhya King pin. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya received a heroic welcome in Kitale yesterday.

Hundreds of residents braved heavy rains as they waited for Natembeya, who had been in Nairobi since he was arraigned in court on charges of abuse of office.

Excited crowds lined the busy Kitale–Bungoma highway to welcome the governor, popularly known as ‘Commando’.

Transport along the highway was paralysed as hundreds of jubilant traders in Kiminini abandoned their businesses and broke into dance as the convoy passed.

Natembeya told the massive crowd that his mission was to liberate the people of Western Kenya from greedy leadership and political deceit.

“My journey to liberate our people from greedy and deceitful leadership is unstoppable. I’m happy that people at every stopover have shown the will to change the political direction in the Western region. This new wave will sweep away old and dishonest leaders,” he said.

He added that the political tide would not spare leaders who had been trading the region’s votes for personal gain—stating that National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula would be among the casualties.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya addressing his supporters in Kakamega town on Monday, May 26, 2025. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

“The people of Bungoma have spoken. Moses Wetang’ula will not be part of the political equation in 2027. My mission is to usher in a leadership that is accountable to the electorate,” said Natembeya.

He was accompanied by Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah.

The governor also accused Kiminini MP Maurice Bissau of being behind his political persecution. He claimed that Bissau, whom he supported during the last election, had turned against him.

Natembeya alleged that the MP had launched a campaign to blackmail him and push for his removal from office.

“Bissau is behind my tribulations. He is spreading lies and blackmailing me,” he charged.

He added that Bissau had little public support during the campaign period until he stepped in to help him win the seat.

“Nobody wanted to listen to him during the campaigns. He was rejected and couldn’t address the people until I intervened. But now, he is the one fighting me,” he claimed.