Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya speaking at Sirende village in Bungoma County
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has revealed plans by some Western region leaders to form a new political party, which they intend to use in next year's General Election.
Natembeya said the party would be unveiled within the next three weeks.
He said the party would bring together key leaders from the region, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and his Vihiga counterpart Godfrey Osotsi.
"Give us three weeks and you will see the white smoke. We will no longer accept to be used politically. All other communities are united on their own, and we must now do the same as the people of the Western region," Natembeya said.
He said National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi were no longer politically useful to the Luhya community.
He claimed they were backing President William Ruto's re-election out of desperation so that they could remain in government.
Natembeya criticised President Ruto, saying he had lost the morality and capability to govern the country effectively.
He was speaking at Sirende Village in Naitiri Kabuyefwe during the funeral service of Charles Simiyu Wabomba Tindi.
Natembeya cited several key areas where he said the Kenya Kwanza administration had failed.
He also criticised Ruto's policies, including over-taxation, the university funding model and the Social Health Authority.
Referring to what he described as a growing culture of intolerance and intimidation against the media, Natembeya said it was wrong for the President to attack the media for highlighting some of his administration's shortcomings.
"Mr President, respect and protect press freedom and end the harassment, intimidation and abduction of journalists and dissenting citizens. Constitutional rights such as freedom of speech and expression must be upheld," he said.
Natembeya condemned the attempted kidnapping of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich in Nakuru by four armed men travelling in a Toyota Probox.
"The media serves as an essential public watchdog and should continue to demand accountability and expose corruption," Natembeya said.
He said by shining a spotlight on opaque government or corporate activities, the media had helped enforce social norms and discourage impunity by those in power.
Legislator Jack Wamboka, who was also present, labelled Ruto a "globetrotting" or "Twitter" leader.
"This is a President who spends too much time outside the country. In his first two years in office, he made dozens of international trips, earning the nickname 'the flying President'. He is always on a plane travelling and tweeting while abusing his opponents," Wamboka said.
Also present were Trans Nzoia Assembly Clerk Moses Wanjala Lupao, Deputy Speaker Obed Mwale Mahanga, Sirende MCA Alfred Weswa and Hospital MCA Eric Wafula.
