Natembeya Hits Back at Ichung’wa, Denounces Baseless Allegations on Kerio Valley Killings

  Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has sharply rebuffed Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa’s recent allegations, which pinned the blame for the deadly killings in Kerio Valley on Natembeya’s tenure as Rift Valley Regional Commander. The accusations, which have sparked controversy, have led to a forceful defense from Natembeya, who argues that the real problem lies deeper within the region’s political and security landscape.
In a passionate response, Natembeya accused several leaders of perpetuating the violence in the North Rift by sponsoring armed groups that have further fueled conflicts among local communities. He categorically dismissed Ichung’wa’s comments as not only baseless but also completely out of touch with the realities on the ground.
“If this is the kind of advice the President is receiving, then he has no advisers at all,” Natembeya fired back, visibly frustrated. “The situation in the North Rift is far more complex than these allegations suggest. There are communities in the region with access to weapons, and when they clash, even the police struggle to maintain control. If a leader believes there’s a kidnapping crisis in Kerio Valley, they’re not only misinformed but should seriously question their role in leadership,” Natembeya continued.
The controversy erupted after Ichung’wa, speaking on a popular platform, accused Natembeya of failing to secure the region, particularly during the violent episodes that have plagued Kerio Valley. He had suggested that Natembeya’s leadership had turned a blind eye to the rampant insecurity, thereby contributing to the chaos.
But Natembeya, who served as Rift Valley Regional Commander before becoming the governor of Trans Nzoia, emphatically rejected these claims. He questioned the logic behind Ichung’wa’s claims of “kidnappings” in Kerio Valley, pointing to media reports that showed several victims of violence in the region were not kidnappers but innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. “How could they have kidnapped themselves and then ended up dead?” Natembeya challenged.
The former security chief didn’t hold back, pointing fingers at some leaders he believes have been instrumental in exacerbating the conflict by aligning with illegal armed groups. Natembeya further alleged that some of these political figures are using violence as a tool to gain influence and control over the region.
As tensions rise in the region, this war of words between Natembeya and Ichung’wa has sparked a broader conversation about the challenges of managing insecurity in the North Rift. It raises questions about the effectiveness of the leadership in the area and the deeper political undercurrents that seem to fuel ongoing conflicts.
With security forces struggling to rein in violence in the region, many are left wondering: who will step up to resolve the crisis in the North Rift? The answers may lie not just in security measures, but in confronting the political forces that stoke the flames of violence.
As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes will be on the leaders of the region to see if they can put aside their differences and find common ground in tackling the real issues behind the bloodshed in Kerio Valley.  Read More