Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has decried alleged state oppression during Jamhuri Day celebrations, claiming he feels like a walking prisoner without his security and driver.
During the Trans Nzoia Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 13, 2025, Governor George Natembeya stated he had nothing to celebrate. He claimed the government has yet to reinstate his security details and driver, attributing this to his criticism of the Ruto administration. "I am a walking prisoner; my security and driver were withdrawn because I am talking truth to power," Natembeya said.
The governor embraced his plight, asserting he would be remembered as a hero who stood with the people. "One day, when we are all long gone, you will call a Jamhuri Day to celebrate that there was once a man by the name Natembeya in this world," he claimed. He also criticized fellow governors for failing to confront President Ruto at the 12th National Government and County Governments Coordinating Summit held on December 10, 2025, at State House. Natembeya alleged they discussed unraised issues in a WhatsApp group afterward instead of speaking up during the meeting.
Additionally, Natembeya reiterated his opposition to the eviction of Ikolomani residents from their ancestral land recently found to contain gold. He accused some Kenyans of posing as foreigners to exploit the resource at the locals' expense. As a prominent opposition voice in the Western region, Natembeya counters the influence of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula.