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Natembeya skips Madaraka Day celebrations in Trans-Nzoia

03:50 PM
Natembeya skips Madaraka Day celebrations in Trans-Nzoia
Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya at a past event. PHOTO/@G_Natembeya026/X

Trans-Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya has once again sparked public debate after he and his deputy, Philomena Kapkory, failed to attend the county Madaraka Day celebrations held at Lesson Primary School in Bidii, Kwanza Sub-county, on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

Their absence from the official function raised eyebrows, especially amid the governor’s ongoing legal troubles.

Natembeya
George Natembeya appearing in court. PHOTO//@GeorgeNatembeya/X

Instead of attending the event in person, Natembeya sent his County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Health, Sam Ojwang, to represent him, citing the governor’s absence from the event due to his current battle with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) as the reason for skipping the national holiday ceremony.

Natembeya, who was recently arrested and is facing court proceedings, had earlier taken to his social media platforms to extend Madaraka Day wishes to the people of Trans Nzoia and the country at large.

Natembeya’s Madaraka Day message

In his message, he questioned whether the Kenya that exists today reflects the dream of the freedom fighters who laid the foundation for independence. He urged Kenyans to continue fighting for justice and accountability as part of the broader vision their forefathers had for the nation.

He criticised the growing trend of leaders who, despite holding powerful positions, contribute to the erosion of civil liberties by silencing opposing voices and sustaining unjust systems that go against the ideals of freedom.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya while addressing the public in Kakagema on Monday, May 19, 2025. PHOTO/Faith Kiplagat
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, while addressing the public in Kakagema on Monday, May 19, 2025. PHOTO/@GeorgeNatembeya/X

“But as we honour their legacy, we must ask ourselves, is this the Kenya they envisioned? Is this the Kenya we deserve? Or can we rise to something greater?’’ Natembeya questioned.

“We must reclaim the freedom our forefathers fought for – a freedom rooted in justice, dignity, and equal opportunity for all. And we must boldly condemn how we, whether as a society or through leadership, sometimes turn around and deny that very freedom to our own people through oppression, the silencing of dissent, or unjust systems that betray the promises of independence,” he added

The governor also called on citizens to use Madaraka Day not just as a moment of reflection but as a renewed commitment to defending the rights of every Kenyan. He emphasised the importance of holding those in power accountable when they fall short of their responsibilities to the people.

”As we reflect on the journey of our nation, let this be more than a commemoration. Let it be a renewed commitment to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of every Kenyan and to holding any government accountable when it fails to serve its people,” Natembeya said.

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