Natembeya dismisses Salasya, says he’s unqualified to comment on Luhya marginalisation debate
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has responded sharply to accusations by Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Salasya that he is promoting tribal politics.
Speaking during an interview with a local media station on Thursday, July 10, 2025, Natembeya dismissed Salasya’s claims of tribalism in his earlier remarks about Luhya marginalisation.
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The governor added that Salasya is unqualified politically to engage in matters concerning the community.
“Mimi sitaki kuongea mambo ya Salasya, mimi na Salasya tunavutania wapi? Salasya ni mtu ambaye hana public experience, hata anaongea akirukaruka, saa zingine naonanga ni kama anaomba dawa.because you cannot be a leader na unaongea hivyo,” Natembeya said.
Natembeya also claimed that prior to entering Parliament, Salasya worked in fields unrelated to his university studies.
“Ile mambo mimi naongea inahusu jamii yangu nimefanya observation na ninaelewa yeye mwenyewe kabla akuwe MP alikuwa anafanya kazi gani? Ile kazi alikuwa anafanya inaandamana na ile training alifanya university? Ajiulize ni kwa nini hakuwa anafanya kazi alikuwa trained,” he added.
Salasya slams Natembeya
The governor’s response comes after Salasya accused him of advancing tribal politics with his marginalisation talk.
“I really don’t want to be seen as fighting Western leaders, but I feel so sorry when I see my friend Natembeya talking politics of personal selfish interest. Remember, this politics of tribal cards is what is messing us up as a country,” Salasya said.
“My bro, you are the governor of Trans-Nzoia and Kitale town alone. Your county is bleeding with many jobless youths at Matisi. What have you done as governor in terms of creating job opportunities other than goons in Kitale town?”
Natembeya on poverty
This comes after Natembeya stated that the Luhya community is the poorest in the country.
Speaking during an interview with a local media station on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Natembeya linked the poverty ratio in the Luhya community to politics.
“Someone gives birth in Muranga, and they immediately want a house girl from Vihiga. Someone wants a watchman; they will look for a Luhya. Grave diggers are Luhyas, and it’s because of how we do our politics,” he fumed during an interview with a local radio station on July 9, 2025.
While discussing the political dynamics in Western Kenya, Natembeya highlighted how leaders exploit poverty and illiteracy to maintain control, a strategy that aligns with historical patterns of political manipulation in developing regions where economic vulnerability can be leveraged for political gain.
“Because of poverty, our people have been forced to blindly follow, worship, and clap for leaders who give them handouts. The time has come to stand up and liberate our people from poverty,” Natembeya asserted.
