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. This response comes after Ruto's remarks during a rally in Endebess on Saturday.
Speaking in response to Ruto's remarks, 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 emphasized that development should not be linked to political support.
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 stressed the importance of representation in ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
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.
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.
Ruto 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. The President's remarks reflect his administration's commitment to implementing development projects in the region.
Natembeya concluded by stating that his role as a leader is to hold the government accountable, not to praise it. "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," he said. This response highlights the governor's commitment to upholding the principles of opposition politics and ensuring that the national government serves all Kenyans.
Key points
- - Governor George Natembeya has dismissed President William Ruto's claims that his Tawe Movement is frustrating development projects in Trans Nzoia county. - Natembeya emphasized that development should not be linked to political support and that residents of Trans Nzoia pay taxes and should not be disadvantaged because of their political affiliations. - The governor urged Ruto to follow the law and uphold the principles of equality and fairness instead of linking development to political support.
