Speaking during a televised interview on March 11, Natembeya said the country should consider adopting a rotational system for the presidency to reduce regional tensions and unhealthy competition for power.
The governor argued that the presidency has for decades been dominated by leaders from the Mt Kenya region, something he believes should change in order to create a sense of inclusivity among other communities.
According to Natembeya, continued political dominance by one region risks fuelling resentment and rivalry among different parts of the country.
He noted that the Mt Kenya region has already produced presidents for nearly three decades since Kenya attained independence.
“No, I would not support that. I believe the presidency should rotate,” Natembeya said during the interview, stressing that leadership should reflect the diversity of the nation.
The county boss further dismissed the belief that having a president from a particular region automatically translates into economic benefits for the people from that area.
He argued that ordinary citizens often continue to face similar challenges regardless of where the president comes from.
Natembeya explained that communities sometimes place unrealistic expectations on leaders from their regions, believing that they will bring special privileges or economic advantages once in power.
However, he said the reality is often different, as development challenges affect communities across the country in similar ways.
“When you go to the ground, you realise there is not much difference in the lives of ordinary people whether they have produced a president or not,” he said.
The governor warned that the perception of regional advantage in presidential politics can create dangerous competition during elections, sometimes escalating tensions and violence.
He argued that introducing a rotational approach to leadership could help reduce such competition and promote national unity.
Despite opposing Gachagua’s potential presidential bid, Natembeya acknowledged that the two leaders share a professional history dating back to their time in Kenya’s provincial administration.
According to the governor, both he and Gachagua once served in the administrative system before the former deputy president later moved into private business and eventually politics.
Natembeya said their shared background has allowed them to maintain open and frank discussions about governance and national issues.
He also reflected on Gachagua’s political journey, suggesting that the former deputy president faced significant political challenges after speaking on issues affecting the Mt Kenya region while serving in government.
The governor noted that leaders who previously worked in the provincial administration were often known for their loyalty to the system and would carry out instructions given by their superiors.
Natembeya’s remarks come amid growing political realignments as various leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with debate intensifying over who could emerge as the opposition’s presidential candidate against William Ruto.
Natembeya explained that communities sometimes place unrealistic expectations on leaders from their regions, believing that they will bring special privileges or economic advantages once in power.
However, he said the reality is often different, as development challenges affect communities across the country in similar ways.
“When you go to the ground, you realise there is not much difference in the lives of ordinary people whether they have produced a president or not,” he said.
The governor warned that the perception of regional advantage in presidential politics can create dangerous competition during elections, sometimes escalating tensions and violence.
He argued that introducing a rotational approach to leadership could help reduce such competition and promote national unity.
Despite opposing Gachagua’s potential presidential bid, Natembeya acknowledged that the two leaders share a professional history dating back to their time in Kenya’s provincial administration.
According to the governor, both he and Gachagua once served in the administrative system before the former deputy president later moved into private business and eventually politics.
Natembeya said their shared background has allowed them to maintain open and frank discussions about governance and national issues.
He also reflected on Gachagua’s political journey, suggesting that the former deputy president faced significant political challenges after speaking on issues affecting the Mt Kenya region while serving in government.
The governor noted that leaders who previously worked in the provincial administration were often known for their loyalty to the system and would carry out instructions given by their superiors.
Natembeya’s remarks come amid growing political realignments as various leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with debate intensifying over who could emerge as the opposition’s presidential candidate against William Ruto.
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