Natembeya: My Fall-Out With Ruto Started in Mau Forest, I Will Never Join Broad-Based Govt

Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has lifted the lid on his long-running political feud with President William Ruto, tracing it back to his days as a County Commissioner when he clashed with the then senior politician over the eviction of encroachers in the Mau Forest.

Speaking candidly today in a Radio interview about the genesis of their differences, Natembeya said the standoff was about duty versus politics.

"My differences with William Ruto started way back while I was working as County Commissioner and he blocked the eviction of encroachers of Mau Forest saying his people should be left alone. I stood my ground to do my job with the help of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta," Natembeya said.

The former powerful administrator turned governor said he chose to uphold the law and conserve the critical water tower despite immense political pressure.

Natembeya, who served in various regions as County Commissioner and later as Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, said that principled stand defined his relationship with Ruto ever since.

On his current working relationship with the national government as Governor of Trans-Nzoia, Natembeya said he is not anti-development, but insists on constitutionalism.

"Today by God's grace, I'm the governor of Trans-Nzoia, and I don't deny development, but the law on devolution is clear about roles of National and County government. But if he must chip in then he must use dialogue and collaborative approach to avoid building projects that will end up stalled across the counties," he stated.

He argued that many national government projects initiated in counties without consultation with county governments end up stalled, duplicated or conflicting with county priorities, citing the need for a structured dialogue framework as envisaged in the Constitution.

The outspoken county boss also put to rest speculation about whether he would join President Ruto's broad-based government arrangement that has co-opted leaders from the opposition.

On that, Natembeya was categorical and blunt. About joining broad-based government, he said personally he won't dare do it, "even if Jesus Christ himself comes to convince me."

The remark underscores his hardening political stance as a key critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, even as several opposition figures have warmed up to working with the President.

Natembeya has in recent months positioned himself as one of the most vocal governors from Western Kenya, often calling for respect for devolution and championing the interests of his county, while openly clashing with the President's allies in the region.

State House is yet to respond to his latest remarks.