Trans Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya has dismissed claims that he can be persuaded or politically bought by President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a Wednesday night television interview, he emphasized that he would never betray Kenyans for personal gain. He added that he has the financial means to handle his needs without relying on political favoritism.
Trans Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya has emerged as an influential voice in Kenyan politics as factions position themselves for the 2027 elections. In a Wednesday night television interview, he outright dismissed claims that he could be persuaded or bought by President William Ruto.
"Ruto cannot buy me. What would he give me that I need so much?" Natembeya questioned, adding that he has no personal needs that would compel him to accept influences. He stated he has a salary and pension sufficient to cover his children's school fees and daily requirements. "If it's paying school fees for my children, I pay. I have a salary and pension. And if it's about food, how much does one person need?" he explained.
Natembeya criticized the culture of leaders selling their principles for money, saying it ultimately betrays public trust. "This idea of being bought like a human, you get bought and then betray the whole country, is a very bad thing," he said. He pledged to stand firm in defending Kenyans' interests despite pressures. "No one will ever buy me. I will not betray Kenyans because someone gives me something," he emphasized.
He urged fellow leaders to resist bribes, warning that such deals often surface later. "We should not accept being bought. If you get bought, eventually it will be known that you were bought," he said.
Additionally, Natembeya has opposed Rigathi Gachagua's presidential ambitions from the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). Despite being in the opposition coalition, he said even if courts allow Gachagua to run, he would not support him. "No, because I believe the presidency should rotate," he said, explaining that the Mt. Kenya community has held the presidency for 43 years and should now yield to other regions like Trans Nzoia.