Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Lillian Siyoi has blamed Governor George Natembeya for being a bottleneck to development from the national government in the county.

While speaking during a function in the county on Saturday, March 21, 2026, the outspoken woman rep, who has been on the governor’s neck in recent times, claimed that Natembeya is the one blocking national government projects from being implemented in Trans Nzoia.

She said that other leaders in the county are aligned with the state and often push for development, but the governor’s constant criticism of the national government discourages its delivery.

“Sisi tunaenda kuomba maendeleo mwingine anafunga; yeye kama ako na differences na rais si awache sisi watu wa Trans Nzoia tubenefit,” she stated.

She further told the governor that if he has differences with the president, he should allow leaders aligned with the national government to facilitate development projects in the county.

Siyoi urged Trans Nzoia residents to elect a governor in 2027 who has a good working relationship with the president and can effectively champion development.

She also took a swipe at Natembeya’s presidential ambitions, claiming he has toned down his bid after realising the tough competition ahead and has instead chosen to focus on defending his gubernatorial seat.

“Si governor alikuwa amesema ati anasimama urais, lakini vile alikaa chini akaona mtu mwenye anaenda kukutana naye eye ni chuma, akaamua arudi nyuma akasema ati anasimama ugavana.”

Natembeya’s political moves

Her remarks come days after Natembeya announced that in 2027 he will engage in both county and national politics. He stated that as one of the principals in the United Opposition, he intends to be part of the national negotiating table while also defending his Trans Nzoia seat to ensure the county benefits at both levels.

He added that he would only consider a presidential bid if leaders and residents in the Western region register as voters and commit to supporting him.

The Trans Nzoia gubernatorial seat has attracted several candidates, including the incumbent, George Natembeya; former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa, who recently decamped from Ford Kenya to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA); former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha; and Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau.