Speaking on Saturday, December 13, 2025, during Jamhuri Day celebrations in Trans Nzoia County, the governor said the situation had left him exposed and unable to properly discharge his duties.
Natembeya told residents that he had little reason to celebrate the national holiday, alleging that he was being punished for openly criticising the government and speaking against what he termed injustices affecting ordinary citizens.
“I am a walking prisoner,” the governor said. “My security and driver were withdrawn because I chose to speak the truth to those in power.”
The governor did not provide details on when the security officers were withdrawn or which agency was responsible for the decision. However, he maintained that the move was politically motivated and aimed at silencing him.
Despite his complaints, Natembeya said he would not be intimidated and vowed to continue voicing concerns on governance and accountability issues.
He told the gathering that history would judge leaders based on how they stood with the people, insisting that he would rather face personal hardship than remain silent.
“One day, long after we are gone, people will remember that there was once a man called Natembeya who stood firm,” he said, adding that those he accused of oppressing him would not be remembered after leaving office.
The governor also took the opportunity to criticise fellow county leaders, accusing them of failing to confront President William Ruto on issues affecting devolution and counties.
Natembeya referred to the 12th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit, held at State House on December 10, 2025, claiming governors avoided raising tough issues directly with the President.
According to Natembeya, governors later discussed their concerns privately on a WhatsApp group instead of addressing them during the meeting.
“There was a meeting with the President, but no one could stand up and say the truth,” he claimed. “Afterwards, they started talking in their WhatsApp group about what should have been said.”
Natembeya has in recent months positioned himself as a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, especially on matters affecting Western Kenya and resource allocation.
During the Jamhuri Day event, the governor also restated his opposition to the planned eviction of residents in Ikolomani, where gold deposits were recently discovered.
He said residents should not be removed from land they have occupied for generations, accusing powerful individuals of attempting to benefit from the mineral discovery at the expense of local communities.
Natembeya further claimed that some individuals posing as foreign nationals were being allowed to extract gold, while local residents were being sidelined.
“The people of Ikolomani must not be pushed out of their land,” he said, calling for transparency and protection of community rights in mineral exploitation.
The governor has emerged as one of the most outspoken leaders in the Western region, often clashing politically with senior government figures including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
His remarks on Saturday are expected to further heighten political tension in the region, as debates continue over governance, resource control, and political dissent.
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