Natembeya fires back at Ichung’wah over claims on abductions, River Yala killings

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has fired back at National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah for linking him to deaths and abductions during his tenure as Rift Valley Regional Commissioner in the former regime.

The Governor, in a strongly worded statement on Friday evening, condemned the verbal attacks directed to him by Ichung’wah, terming them senseless and shameful.

He distanced himself from the allegations of being behind the bodies found dumped in River Yala in 2022, reiterating that his tenure as Rift Valley Regional Commissioner was free of scandals and that he blamelessly retired after his term.

The Ttrans Nzoia County boss defended his legacy as a qualified and diligent leader, adding that his track record led to his election as Governor.

“Let it be known that George Natembeya served as a diligent, honest, and truthful servant to the people of Kenya. A position I earned through merit and hard work. I resigned as the Regional Commissioner without any stain or scandal,” he said.

“My commitment as a Regional Commissioner endeared me to the esteemed people of Trans Nzoia, who nurtured me to be their second governor.”

He faulted Kenya Kwanza allied leaders for what he termed as channeling their anger at him instead of addressing the devil in the room, which is how to end the recent wave of abductions and killings that have sparked anger in the country.

He avers that he was insulted for holding President William Ruto to account on the abductions and disappearances, something he says is the duty of every leader and should not be mistaken for undermining those in power.

“These politicians lack emotional intelligence; they get carried away by euphoric cheers senselessly without assessing the unforeseen consequences of their loose mouths. I condemn the shameful utterances with the strongest terms possible,” said Natembeya.

“I want my fellow Kenyans to know that the reason some political leaders saw it worth insulting me was because I boldly told the President to order the end of abductions and command the release of the abducted youths.”

He added: “Let it not be construed that condemning extrajudicial abductions is undermining the President. We all have a duty to remind state organs to adhere to the rule of law and our constitution’s principles.”

Ichung'wah, speaking during the burial service of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula’s mother in Bungoma in Friday, blasted Natembeya after the Governor had called out President Ruto and COTU boss Francis Atwoli over the abductions. 

The Kikuyu MP went guns blazing at Natembeya claiming that he was working with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to divide the country along tribal lines.

He also accused Natembeya of orchestrating abductions and killings during his tenure in the police service.

“Wakati mliua watu mkaweka River Yala, you (Natembeya) were the Regional Commissioner in charge of abductions and murdering Kenyans, wewe mwenyewe! Shame on you, Governor! You cannot claim abductions when you were the key abductor and murderer of Kenyans under the previous regime,” Ichung’wah stated then.

“You were a Regional Commissioner the other day when hundreds of people were kidnapped, abducted and killed in Kerio Valley and dumped here in River Yala. Kwani siku hiyo haukujua maisha ya wananchi ni maisha?”

The lawmaker added: “Yule aliyekuwa kiongozi wako wa siasa za ukabila, the former Deputy President was the one planning for abductions to blame William Ruto. Tunawajua na tunawaona mchana na tutawatangaza mchana hadharani na huwezi kututisha.”