Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya has questioned the wisdom of the nation’s electorate, noting the trend of governments co-opting opposition leaders.

Speaking on Monday, October 20, 2025, the governor acknowledged the need for such a reflection after the nation failed to elect Raila Odinga for five election cycles.

He says the issue points to the electorate’s inability to effect better governance through the ballot.

Also watch: Raila Odinga as Prime Minister: Achievements and friction with Kibaki

Rejected at the ballot

“How can it be that a man who has run for the presidency five times and failed has been the person whom every president cannot run the country without his input.

“Every president we have elected has had to call on Raila to help him steer his government. Why didnt we elected Raila himself to run this country? How are our politics anchored?He posed.

“It must have been that we failed to elect the best person. It is time we reflect on what informs our politics. We must have failed to elect a president who would have been the best choice,”he said.

“During voting, we tend to criticise people and demonise people, but afterward they are the ones who proved to have the best vision for the country to help it move forward,”he stated.

Also watch: Natembeya pays tribute to Raila Odinga

He additionally condemned tribalism and its toll on Kenyan politics.

“Tribalism has killed this nation. People are now relegating morals for tribalism and other parochial issues. The young people must put this to an end,” he added.

His remarks come after he also condemned the posthumous honouring of Rila Odinga with the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart award by President William Ruto.

He “Today I listened to the president’s speech and how he posthumously awarded Raila with the CGH honour. The honour is reserved only for the presidents. But it has been bestowed upon him,”he stated.

“We are a pretentious, incorrigible country. What prevented the president from honouring Raila with that CGH honour when he was alive?. Of what value is it for now? He would not have gone around hanging around his neck,”he posed.lamented the timing of the award. expressing dismay at what prevented his recognition with Kenya’s highest civilian honour while he was alive.