George Natembeya is the current Governor of Trans-Nzoia County, having won the seat in the 2022 General Elections. He triumphed over former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa to secure the position.
Before entering politics, Natembeya served as the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, a role that kept him in the public eye due to the persistent violence in his jurisdiction. Armed bandits wreaked havoc in Laikipia County, launching bold daylight attacks that eventually led the government to deploy the military to restore order. Natembeya, who oversaw this region, attributed much of the violence to political sponsorship, citing issues such as historical injustices, female genital mutilation, cattle rustling, and deep-rooted ethnic conflicts.
Despite these challenges, Natembeya fought hard to manage the situation from his Nakuru office. Known for his direct approach, he was often seen as a controversial and tough administrator with a sharp tongue.
Personal Life
George Natembeya was born on September 2, 1971, making him 53 years old. He is a father of three children, two of whom are in tertiary education, while the youngest is still in secondary school.
Education
Natembeya holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of Nairobi.
Career
Natembeya’s career in public administration began as a personal assistant to the late Minister for Security, John Michuki. Natembeya credits much of his leadership style to Michuki, proudly stating, “Everything I know, I learned from John Michuki,” during an interview with People Daily.
After four years, Natembeya advanced to the position of District Officer, and later District Commissioner in Murang’a. As a DC, he was tasked with suppressing the Mungiki gang, which had been terrorizing locals. His success in quelling the Mungiki menace earned him recognition.
In 2016, Natembeya was appointed as a County Commissioner in Isiolo before being transferred to Narok. While in the South Rift, he worked to protect the Mau water towers and, amid significant political opposition, successfully evicted over 10,000 settlers. This action made him both allies and enemies in equal measure.
In June 2019, Natembeya was appointed as Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, a position he resigned from in order to contest the Trans-Nzoia gubernatorial elections. His decision to run was influenced by the people of his county, who, according to him, had asked him to return home and lead due to his exemplary service in the interior ministry.
Governorship
Once elected as Governor, Natembeya quickly formed his administration, overcoming early legal challenges related to government inclusivity. In an interview with KBC, Natembeya listed agriculture as one of his primary areas of focus. Despite Trans-Nzoia being known as the “food basket” of Kenya, the county had seen a decline in agricultural productivity due to disrupted soil ecosystems.
Natembeya also vowed to address the failing health sector, noting that some Level 4 hospitals had been downgraded to health centers. His administration aims to rectify this situation and strengthen the healthcare system. Additionally, he promised to improve education and road infrastructure in the county.
Controversies
Throughout his career, Natembeya has stirred controversy with some of his remarks on security, FGM, and early pregnancies. For example, while serving as County Commissioner in Narok in 2019, he suggested that schoolchildren should be inspected to determine whether they had undergone FGM, which sparked outrage from teachers and anti-FGM groups. They argued that such a move would stigmatize young girls who had been subjected to the practice.
Natembeya also made strong statements while addressing the issue of banditry in the Kerio Valley, warning that anyone defying the government’s disarmament efforts would be to blame. He infamously remarked, “Hyenas will celebrate. There is no other language.”
In September 2021, he controversially claimed that bandits in Laikipia had superior M16 rifles, which were allegedly more advanced than the weapons used by Kenyan security forces. He later retracted this statement after the British Army Training Unit refuted the claim. “I was misquoted,” Natembeya clarified, adding that he meant the bandits were not using traditional weapons like arrows or machetes.
Remarks on Abductions
Natembeya has also been vocal on the issue of abductions. At the burial of Mama Anne Nanyama, mother of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, he criticized the ongoing abduction of government critics. He directed his comments at COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, who had downplayed the abductions, stating that they were being exaggerated.
“I say this with a very heavy heart,” Natembeya said. “For a leader to stand here and say that people are abducting and killing themselves is unfortunate. Our children are being abducted, and some are being killed. We should not cover up the basic truth.”
His statements drew the ire of some political figures, including National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who accused Natembeya of attempting to divide Kenyans along ethnic lines. “The kind of politics you’re engaging in is meant to divide people on the basis of ethnicity,” Ichung’wah responded.
Despite the controversies, Natembeya remains a significant figure in Kenyan politics, known for his bold stance on security and public service.
