He recently criticised Ruto’s visit to the region, accusing the president’s aides of misleading him about the actual needs of the people. The photo shows President William Ruto with his longtime aide Farouk Kibet at a previous event. Source: Facebook
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Why did George Natembeya respond to Kibet? His comments were largely seen as a reaction to Farouk Kibet, a close ally of Ruto, who had earlier accused him of hindering development in Western Kenya. Speaking at a gathering in Malava, Kakamega County, Farouk denied claims that he was unwelcome in the area. “I heard a complaint that Natembeya doesn’t want me to visit Malava; is that even possible?” Farouk questioned, challenging the governor’s position.
The escalating tensions between Natembeya and Farouk highlight a larger political rivalry over Western Kenya’s development, with both leaders staking their claims on the region’s future.He also called out certain unnamed individuals who attempted to lecture Western leaders, urging them to confront him directly instead of making statements from the sidelines. Natembeya criticized them for being defensive whenever he spoke about Ruto, emphasizing that Kenya only has one elected president. Additionally, the county boss questioned Kibet’s authority to address development issues in Western Kenya. “When I speak about Ruto, someone gets angry as if they are him. But we only elected one president. Now, someone comes to talk about development in Western Kenya—on whose authority? Don’t think that just because you are close to the president, you can lecture us. I don’t fear you; come and face me. Stop speaking from the sidelines. It’s that simple,” he said.
Natembeya has been outspoken about what he perceives as the neglect of Western Kenya in terms of development.