Kalenjin elders from Trans Nzoia County are calling for an urgent, direct meeting with President William Ruto to address growing concerns around the alleged targeting of Governor George Natembeya and perceived marginalization of their community.
Speaking in Kitale on Thursday, June 5, 2025, the elders, led by Eliud Tormoi of the Nandi sub-tribe, voiced frustration over what they described as continued exclusion in state appointments and underwhelming development in their region—despite overwhelming support for Ruto in the 2022 General Election.
“We do not want intermediaries or brokers,” Tormoi said. “We want to sit face-to-face with the President. We are Kalenjins of Trans Nzoia. We can speak for ourselves.”
The elders warned that continued silence from the head of state would force them to reevaluate their political allegiance.
They criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration for allegedly weaponizing state institutions against critics, citing Natembeya as the latest casualty.
“This regime attacks anyone who questions its failures,” said elder Job Arap Sang. “Natembeya is being punished not for wrongdoing, but for speaking the truth.”
Political analyst Peter Chemuigut echoed their concerns, urging Ruto’s government to prioritize real development over political theatrics. “We need factories, not fundraisers. Justice, not witch-hunts,” Chemuigut said.
The elders also defended Natembeya against accusations of tribal favoritism, saying he had appointed several Kalenjins into key county positions despite their opposition to his gubernatorial bid. “He gave us three CECMs, a chief officer, and over ten directors,” said Samuel Ng’eny. “He’s delivered more with less.”
Their plea comes amid wider claims from Western leaders that progressive politicians, particularly Luhyas, are being unfairly targeted. The Mulembe Unified Forum has recently condemned arrests of Natembeya and MP Peter Salasya as signs of political suppression.
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