Emurua Dikir MP Johanna Ng’eno has publicly called out Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, urging him to stop interfering in the work of other leaders and instead focus on fulfilling his mandate to the people of his county.

Speaking during an empowerment event in Mt Elgon, Bungoma County, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, Ng’eno criticised Natembeya for constantly poking holes in the work of fellow leaders rather than concentrating on service delivery in Trans Nzoia. The MP maintained that the role of oversight belongs to legislators such as MPs and senators, not governors, who are themselves part of the executive arm.

“Kama wewe ni kiongozi, nasikia ati kuna kiongozi mwingine hapa anazurura hapa; kama wewe ni kiongozi, unafaa kuwajibika kwa kazi ambayo umepewa na raia kufanya, si kusahihisha kazi ya wengine. Sisi kama wajumbe na masenators, tuko na haki ya kusaihihisha executive, lakini si executive; ati anaamka ati yeye ni executive ya county anaanza kusahihisha executive ya national, kazi yake ni fake,” Ng’eno stated.

He questioned the logic behind Natembeya questioning other leaders, including the president, while he has yet to deliver tangible results for the people who elected him. Ngeno further accused the governor of lacking visible development achievements since assuming office.

The MP also accused Natembeya of engaging in divisive politics and driving a wedge between communities by promoting tribal politics. He emphasised that all Kenyans, regardless of ethnic background, are united under one nation and must not be separated by political interests.

“Na watu waache kugawa watu, hii nchi ni moja. Sisi ni mandugu; sisi ni jamii moja ya jamhuri ya Kenya, na hatuwezi haribu nchi yetu kwa siasa duni. Kama unataka kiti yeyote mwaka wa 27, ni miaka mbili tu imebaki; wewe ng’ang’ana tupatane kwa debe. As for now, wacha rais afanye kazi,” he added.

Reaction to Natembeya’s arrest

Recalling Natembeya’s previous role as Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, Ng’eno criticised his record in public service, accusing him of using his authority at the time to harass and arrest political leaders.

He pointed out the irony of Natembeya complaining about his own recent arrest by the DCI, despite subjecting others to similar treatment during his tenure in government.

“Wacha niambie ndugu yangu mwenye kazi; wakati alikuwa hapo nyuma, kazi yake ilikuwa ni kudharau watu ati juzi aliwekwa pingu moja tu, jamaa anatetemeka, na wewe ndio ulikuwa unaagiza watu wafungwe wakati ulikuwa regional commissioner; mimi ni mmmoja nilifungwa kwa hio serikali,” he concluded.