Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has questioned the intentions of President William Ruto and his aide, Farouk Kibet, in the upcoming Malava by-election.

Speaking on Monday, November 24, 2025, the politician also took a swipe at Western leaders in government for failing to advocate meaningful development for the people of the region.

The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) deputy leader continued his criticism of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula for failing to offer proper leadership to the region.

Cowards

“Our leaders are a bunch of cowards, and when their stomachs are full, they cannot be relied on to speak on the plight of their people. Wetang’ula akishiba ni usinginzi tu, Mudavadi pia vivo hivyo. Sisi tunataka hao watu 2027 waende nyumbani tulete uongozi mpya kwa jamii ya Waluhya.”

The outspoken governor emphasised the significance of the November 27 polls as a moment to restore the dignity of the Luhya nation.

He urged the residents to turn up in large numbers and vote for Seth Panyako in a margin that will be difficult to surmount or manipulate.

“Hii kura ya Novemba ni ya kurudisha heshima ya jamii ya Mluhya. Hawa watu wametupanga. Ruto ako na by-elections huko Baringo na hajaenda huko. Hajaenda Kasipul wala Magarini. Lakini hapa tangu Injendi akufe. Kitu ya kwanza, Faruk alichukua mama akaenda na yeye. Saa hii amekaa hapa akituambia chagua huyu na huyu. Wanatuletea hadi maharage, mchele na pesa eti ndio tuchague huyu mtu wao,”

Farouk was earmarked to spearhead Ruto’s foray into Malava following the by-election occasioned by Malulu Injendi’s demise. The aide has gone to great lengths to fulfil his boss’s wishes and endear himself to the masses.

Also Read: What next if Ruto’s gamble on Farouk Kibet backfires in Malava?

He also hit out at the United Democratic Alliance aspirant in the Malava contest, David Ndakwa, for betraying the community.

Natembea warned that a win for Ndakwa will not amount to any development, as the MP must return the resources expended in his campaigns.

“Ndakwa ni kama Judas Iscariot, wale wanaomtumia awe MP ndio Mali yetu iende kwao. Yeye atakuwa mtu wa kulipa madeni ya ile pesa Faruk ametumia hapa na mtakuwa mmeingia kwa shimo,” he said.