Governance vs. Loyalty: Natembeya Urges President Ruto To Uphold Equitable Development

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has rejected accusations by President William Ruto that his Tawe Movement is sabotaging development projects in the region, arguing that access to state-funded infrastructure is a constitutional right for all tax-paying citizens regardless of political affiliation.

Responding to remarks made by the President during a rally in Endebess on Saturday, Natembeya urged the national government to uphold constitutional principles of equitable resource allocation rather than conditioning development on political allegiance.

“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.”

Constitutional Mandate and Oversight

Natembeya called on local lawmakers to aggressively push for Trans Nzoia’s fair share of national revenue, reminding leaders that political representation exists to safeguard local resource allocations.

“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 stated.

The governor emphasized that the Constitution explicitly guarantees both equitable development and the right to maintain an independent political stance.

“To bring development, the President should just follow the law. Equality and fairness are well addressed by the Constitution,” Natembeya added. “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.”

Ruto’s Criticism of Opposing Politics

Natembeya’s remarks follow criticism from President Ruto during his Endebess tour, where the Head of State accused local leaders of leveraging opposition politics to derail state-backed initiatives, including a stalled regional hospital project.

While pledging that his administration would circumvent political hurdles to deliver healthcare and infrastructure upgrades to Trans Nzoia, President Ruto claimed that funding for key projects had been delayed due to local political resistance.

“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,” President Ruto told residents during the tour.