George Natembeya, who recently resigned as Rift Valley regional commissioner, has been backed by the Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) to run for Trans Nzoia governor on August 9.
Natembeya resigned on Wednesday to focus on his political campaign, ending a career in national government spanning 25-years.
DAP-K secretary-general Eseli Simiyu, who is also a Tongaren MP, announced Natembeya would be their candidate in an interview with the Nation yesterday (Thursday).
“We will have George Natembeya to fight for the Trans Nzoia gubernatorial seat on a DAP-K ticket,” Simiyu said.
Read: George Natembeya Resigns to Focus on Race for Trans Nzoia Governor Seat
The party, which is linked to Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, was founded in December and is a supporter of Raila Odinga’s Azimio La Umoja Movement. DAP-K appears to be eyeing Bungoma and Trans Nzoia as political strongholds.
During a protracted battle over control of Ford-K, party head and Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi and Dr Simiyu clashed with Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula, with the Wetang’ula group accusing them of attempting a leadership coup. The case was taken to court.
The group eventually left the party.
Natembeya joins a growing list of contenders vying for the mantle of Trans Nzoia governor Patrick Khaemba. The county executive is in his second and last term.
Read Also: Kabando wa Kabando To Vie for Nyeri Senate Seat
The former police boss will go up against Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa and long-serving member of Khaemba’s cabinet, Boniface Wanyonyi, who wants to continue his boss’s legacy.
Janet Nangabo, the Trans Nzoia Woman Representative, is running, as is Andrew Wanyonyi, a former Agriculture executive, Moses Khaoya, and Philemon Samoei, a businessman. Abraham Singoei and Maurice Bisau are two more members of the Deputy President’s Office.
More than 20 senior government officials are anticipated to quit ahead of the elections, including Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Chief Administrative Secretaries, and leaders of state corporations.
They include Cabinet Secretaries Charles Keter and John Munyes (Petroleum), State House Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita, and Chief Administrative Secretaries Ababu Namwamba, John Mosonik, Joseph Boinnet, Lawrence Karanja and Nelson Gaichuhie.
Read Also: Jimi Wanjigi To Undergo Integrity Test Before Vying for Presidency on ODM Ticket
Boinnet and Mosonik are vying for the governorships of Elgeyo Marakwet and Bomet, respectively. Namwamba is aspiring to succeed Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong.
As Gaichuhie seeks to reclaim the Subukia MP seat he previously held, Karanja has entered the race for Nakuru senator.
5 thoughts on “Natembeya to Vie for Trans Nzoia Governor’s Seat on DAP-K Party Ticket”