NAKURU, Kenya, Jan 12 – Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya has resigned after a 25- year stint in the security docket to focus on politics.
Speaking during a press conference in Nakuru, Natembeya announced that he will be seeking to vie for the Trans Nzoia governor’s seat in the August elections.
“From today I will no longer be an RC of Rift valley, my counterpart who will replace me in the course of this week or next week. From here I will go back to Nairobi to prepare myself and take a short leave before proceeding to Trans-Nzoia to heed to the calls of Wananchi to serve them as governor,” he stated during his address.
He is expected to square it out with Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa, Trans-Nzoia Woman Representative Janet Nangabo, Abraham Sing’oei and Maurice Bissau who both hold different positions at the office of Deputy president William Ruto amongst others in what is expected to be a highly competitive race to succeed the incumbent David Khaemba.
Other competitors include Philemon Samoei, Andrew Wanyonyi and Moses Khaoya amongst others.
The 50-year-old, an alumni of the University of Nairobi will be counting on his ‘successful’ career in the interior ministry where he has been on the forefront in combating crime and conflicts in the volatile parts of the vast Rift Valley region including Laikipia, Baringo, Kerio valley, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot amongst other areas marred by banditry, cattle rustling and ethnic conflict.
“All these experiences that I have gained in the National government, I will take it to the county government to help the residents of Trans-Nzoia,” Natembeya said.
Natembeya who has been described as defense Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa ‘project’ served as the District Officer (DO) in Narok County in 2003 where he was on the forefront in combating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriages.
During his tenure in Narok, the administrator led peace efforts and disarmament exercises amongst the Maasai and Kipsigis communities in Trans Mara area.
He also coordinated the eviction of persons from the Mau Forest.
The outspoken RC also previously served as the personal assistant of the late Internal Security minister, John Michuki between 2005-2008 with whom he sharpened his leadership skills.
