NAIROBI, Kenya- Nandi Senator Kiprotich Cherargei has intensified calls for the impeachment of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, accusing him of gross misconduct, poor development record, corruption and divisive leadership, even as the governor positions himself as a key opposition figure ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a strongly worded statement, Cherargei urged Trans Nzoia Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to immediately initiate impeachment proceedings, arguing that Governor Natembeya has failed to deliver on devolution despite receiving substantial allocations from the national government.
“Natembeya has run down the entire development agenda of Trans Nzoia. There is little to show for the resources allocated to the county,” Cherargei said, adding that oversight of the President rests with Parliament, not county governors.
This Governor has run down the entire development in Trans nzoia county from poor development, wanton corruption and a tribal champion. He has nothing to show people of Trans nzoia that’s why he looking for lame excuses yet he is allocated devolved money. The people who oversight
The senator accused the governor of engaging in ethnic mobilisation, branding him a “tribal champion” whose leadership, he claimed, has deepened divisions rather than united residents around development priorities.
Cherargei also revisited Natembeya’s past tenure as Rift Valley Regional Commissioner during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, describing it as a period marked by impunity.
He cited the controversial Mau Forest evictions, which he said violated human rights and demeaned communities, and claimed that insecurity, including cattle rustling, declined after Natembeya exited the role.
According to the Senator, these actions point to a leadership style incompatible with constitutional values.
The impeachment call comes against the backdrop of rising political temperatures ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Natembeya has emerged as a vocal opposition leader in Western Kenya, positioning himself as a unifying figure rallying communities against President William Ruto’s administration.
He is widely viewed by allies and critics alike as a significant threat to President Ruto’s re-election bid in the region.
Tensions escalated recently after Natembeya’s security detail was withdrawn, a move that his supporters have interpreted as political intimidation, while government officials have maintained that security deployments are guided by standard protocols.
While the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 firmly guarantees the fundamental right to freedom of expression, it is disheartening that there is little to celebrate this Jamhuri Day. The prevailing atmosphere of intimidation and victimization by State machinery has cast a dark shadow
Cherargei further faulted the governor for skipping, without apology, a recent constitutional meeting between the national and county governments convened to discuss strengthening devolution.
He said the absence demonstrated disregard for intergovernmental cooperation and accountability.
Calling impeachment “the best Christmas and New Year gift” for the people of Trans Nzoia, Cherargei urged MCAs to act swiftly, pledging that the Senate would overwhelmingly confirm the removal if the process is forwarded to the Upper House.
Governor Natembeya has previously dismissed impeachment threats as politically motivated. His office had not responded to the latest remarks by the time of publication.
