Wamuzi News Ke
June 1st will be remembered not for celebration, but for a political no-show that’s sent shockwaves across Trans Nzoia.
In a dramatic twist during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations held at Lessos Primary School, Governor George Natembeya and his deputy, Philomena Kapkory, were conspicuously absent — sparking outrage, speculation, and deep political undertones. This is the first time since taking office in 2022 that Natembeya has skipped the national holiday, leaving many stunned and raising serious questions.
The event, which was officiated by County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi, saw County Health CEC Sam Ojwang step in on behalf of the absent governor. But it didn’t end there.
A Mass Boycott?
Local leaders, including several Trans Nzoia MCAs and host MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi, were also missing in action. Sources indicate Wanyonyi was on official duty in Singapore — but the coordinated absence of nearly all key political figures didn’t go unnoticed.
Only a sparse crowd, mostly made up of schoolchildren, turned up. Their colorful performances tried to lift the mood, but the missing top brass cast a long, dark shadow over the event.
Behind the No-Show: A Brewing Political Firestorm
Natembeya’s absence isn’t just symbolic — it’s political. The governor has recently come under increasing fire from the Kenya Kwanza administration. Tensions boiled over just days ago when anti-corruption officials raided his home in Kitale, citing procurement irregularities and public fund mismanagement. He was briefly held in Nairobi — an incident that has further fueled political friction.
Sources close to the governor say he is deeply disillusioned with the current state of national affairs. In a fiery statement last week, Natembeya slammed the government for what he called “systemic neglect of ordinary Kenyans” and “an alarming slide into authoritarianism.”
“Why should I celebrate power when I have none?” he asked bluntly.
“The growing poverty is just another form of colonialism. We’re lying to ourselves. I’m not sure I can justify attending these events anymore.”
A Dark Cloud Over Madaraka
For a day meant to celebrate self-rule, freedom, and national pride, this year’s Madaraka Day in Trans Nzoia has instead exposed the deep cracks in county and national politics. Residents are left wondering: Is this the beginning of a political rebellion — or a sign of something even more unsettling ahead?
