Salasya slams Natembeya, says Trans-Nzoia governor advancing tribal politics
In a lengthy post, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has strongly criticised Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya for what he termed as advancing tribal politics.
This came after Natembeya’s interview with a local media outlet on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, where the governor claimed that the Luhya community was being sidelined in key national appointments.
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Salasya accused Natembeya of engaging in self-centred political narratives, warning that tribal card politics is one of the main problems holding Kenya back. He questioned why a sitting governor would choose to focus on ethnic profiling instead of addressing the pressing issues affecting his own county.
“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.
He challenged Natembeya to account for the state of Kitale town and the high rate of unemployment in areas like Matisi, arguing that the county leadership should be focused on creating sustainable job opportunities. Salasya pointed out that instead of empowering youths with meaningful programmes, the county was becoming known for political mobilisation and not development.
“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?” he asked.
Challenging Natembeya’s track record
He further questioned what Natembeya had done in terms of sponsoring graduates, setting up cottage industries, and supporting youth employment.
The MP emphasised that as a devolved function, sports could have been used to uplift youth in Kitale, home to football giants like St Joseph and St Anthony. He challenged the governor to name any football academies or stadiums he has improved to nurture local talent.
Salasya dismissed Natembeya’s complaints about marginalised appointments, saying leadership should be earned based on competence and not community background.
He urged the governor to avoid tribal narratives and focus instead on inclusive national politics that promote unity and development for all Kenyans.
“Wewe, tuambie, your regional commissioner who gave you that job. We want a country where everybody gets opportunities equally based on competence. We are not fools, bossy, and don’t quote me; I am fighting you, but I just like facts, though I don’t do local politics in the West; I am a national leader – just a point of correction, sir,” he concluded.
Poverty levels in Luhya land
This comes after Natembeya stated that the Luhya community is the poorest in the country.
The first-term county boss had linked the poverty ratio in his 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.
