TransNzoia Governor George Natembeya/ HANDOUT
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has hit back at his critics who castigated him during the burial of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula's mother saying he "told them the truth".
The Governor, who became a subject of attack by many leaders after addressing the funeral, condemned the attacks he received at the burial that have since become the subject of discussion in the country.
"I was the subject of severe verbal attacks by some political leaders through the litany of insults and profanity towards my persona," Natembeya said.
In his address, Natembeya disagreed with some leaders present over abductions, a move that set the stage for a fierce response from National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah.
It all began when Cotu boss Francis Atwoli said some Kenyans were abducting themselves to get funding from some civil society organizations.
"On abductions, I work with many organizations across the world, some people are abducting themselves so that they can get money from some organizations," Atwoli said.
In a rejoinder, Natembeya termed the remarks by Atwoli as unfortunate insisting that those abducted must be set free to give their families peace of mind.
“I say this with a very heavy heart. For a leader to stand here and say people are abducting and killing themselves, is unfortunate. It is not for this hallowed grounds,” he said.
The remarks seemingly angered Ichung'wah who hit back at Natembeya.
“You are an officer; if you know people are being abducted, share the information with the police but do not come here to shout at Atwoli (COTU boss),” he stated.
Ichung’wah further noted that Natembeya was a regional commissioner in the last administration, which was also accused of alleged abductions and extra-judicial killings.
Natembeya responding on when he was a regional commissioner said,"
"...Let it be known that George Natembeya served as a diligent, honest, and truthful servant to the people of Kenya. A position I earned through merit and hard work. I resigned as The Regional Commissioner without any stain or scandal," he said.
"My commitment as a Regional Commissioner endeared me to the esteemed people of Trans Nzoia, who nurtured me to be their second governor. I want my fellow Kenyans to know that the reason some political leaders saw it worth insulting me was because I boldly told the President to order the end of abductions and command the release of the abducted youths."
Natembeya went on to say the families of these abducted youths are undergoing untold trauma, "not knowing the whereabouts of their children."
He went on to clarify that condemning extrajudicial abductions does not amount to undermining the President.
"We all have a duty to remind state organs to adhere to the rule of law and our constitution's principles. I will continue speaking boldly, without fear. Kenyans want an end to extrajudicial abductions of our young people. Abductions must decisively and courageously be condemned. Kenyans are looking up to leaders to speak for them," he said.