Natembeya questions police reforms, cites poor welfare
By Faith Lagat, July 10, 2025Trans-Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya has raised sharp concerns over the state of police reforms in Kenya, arguing that the government has ignored the root cause of public frustration.
In a candid interview on a local TV station on Thursday, July 10, 2025, the former Rift Valley Regional Commissioner said systemic problems within the police force were fuelling mistrust and civil unrest.
“Why doesn’t police reform start with police welfare? Why is a governor paid one million shillings while a Kenyan who works as a night watchman is paid Ksh30,000?”
He noted that the police end up taking bribes because of the low payments, noting that the reforms should start with the officers being given a reasonable amount; from there, the country can tackle other issues.
“Burning police stations is not right, but the reason why Kenyans do it is because the police do not help them—they demand bribes to offer assistance,” he said.
Natembeya criticised leaders for insulating themselves from the consequences of their policies. “Mtoto wa waziri na MP hakuna siku atapatikana pale kwa barabara. Ile order ya shoot to kill haitamwadhiri yeye,” he stated, suggesting that children of political elites are shielded from violent state crackdowns that mostly affect ordinary citizens.
He condemned the praise given to police officers following recent protests, where at least 60 people have reportedly been killed. “There is no way in a civilised society a CS goes live on a TV station and commends the police on a good job while there are killings; we are wiping away a generation,” he said.
The governor also raised concerns over the use of live bullets in crowd control, warning that such measures escalate tensions and lead to unnecessary deaths. He referenced the killing of protester Rex Masai, who died from a gunshot wound to the leg. “Risasi sio jiwe ama miti, risasi ni moto. You can target shooting someone in the leg but shoot the head—a bullet is not a stone,” he cautioned.
Natembeya pointed to the growing disconnect between frustrated citizens and government officials, who he said were dismissive of public concerns. “Mawaziri na PS’s wote wana maringo. Watu wako frustrated, but they cannot address the government,” he said, urging state officers to listen rather than lecture.
On the question of inclusivity, Natembeya expressed his desire to see more ethnic diversity in high-level appointments. “I look forward to the day the president will appoint a head of public service who is not from his community,” he said.
Amid nationwide demonstrations, Natembeya clarified that the intention behind the protests is not to remove the president from office. “No one intends to oust the president unconstitutionally. Protests are just feedback—because that is the only way Kenyans can access him,” he explained.
His remarks add to growing calls for genuine reform, accountability, and national dialogue as public pressure mounts on the government.