Natembeya popularises his new Tawe movement

Governor George Natembeya has started holding rallies to popularise his ‘Tawe’ movement in Trans Nzoia.

He said his movement aims to change the political tide in Western Kenya for the next general election.

In the last two weeks, Natembeya has held several rallies and promised to extend the meetings to all counties in the region.

“This time we will not fear anyone and our people have to be taken seriously politically. A few leaders have been taking advantage of the community for selfish gains,” the governor said.

Natembeya said he is fighting to liberate the Luhya community from “excruciating poverty caused by poor leadership”.

He said he will not serve any political masters including Luhya community leaders Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetang’ula whom he accused of perpetrating selfish political agreements to award themselves government positions.

“As a community, we have been wasted politically because some leaders claim to be representing us but are there for selfish interests,” Natembeya said.

Mudavadi is the Prime Cabinet Secretary while Wetang’ula is the Speaker of the National Assembly.

Natembeya said the two are benefiting from the positions while a majority of the community members lives in abject poverty that is “embarrassing and shameful”.

“You sign an agreement with the President to give us the position of speaker then you demand that it goes to yourself and once you get it, you forget all other people. That position is just benefiting you and your family,” he said.

The governor said Mudavadi folded his party to join UDA without involving his supporters while opposition chief Raila Odinga led his party ODM to sign a deal with President William Ruto, outlining clear benefits for his people.

“As a leader, I have to understand my own people and work with them to improve the situation we have,” Natembeya said.

The governor said he fully respects Ruto but does not fear to engage him politically. He said residents want roads and hospitals improved.

“Many of us live in old mud houses that are infested with jiggers and other parasites that are clear manifestations of abject poverty,” Natembeya said.

“We are now at the stage where liberation from such poverty is in our hands. Next time we go to vote we have to vote for ourselves.”