Natembeya Alleges Macron’s Kenya Visit Was About KSh7.3 Billion Deal, Not Africa Summit

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has sensationally claimed that French President Emmanuel Macron visited Kenya to secure payment of over KSh7 billion in compensation to a French consortium, dismissing the much-publicized Africa Forward Summit as a cover for deeper financial interests.

Speaking on Saturday during the funeral service of Mama Joina Nasike Malemo, mother to Trans Nzoia County Human Resource Director Emelda Agoi, in Kiminini Sub-County, Natembeya alleged that President William Ruto’s administration irregularly diverted KSh7.3 billion from the Road Maintenance Levy Fund to settle termination penalties owed to French firms linked to a stalled road project.

According to the outspoken governor, the compensation was part of a controversial restructuring of the highway project that has now reportedly been handed to Chinese contractors, including China Road and Bridge Corporation and Shandong Hi-Speed Group, alongside the National Social Security Fund.

Natembeya further claimed the project cost had been inflated to nearly KSh200 billion under the revived arrangement.

“Macron did not come for the summit alone. There are hidden financial interests behind the visit,” Natembeya told mourners, drawing cheers from sections of the crowd.

President Macron was in Kenya this week to co-host the Africa Forward Summit alongside President Ruto, with both leaders promising a renewed economic partnership between France and African nations. Political analysts have described the visit as part of France’s broader strategy to deepen ties with English-speaking African countries amid weakening influence in Francophone West Africa.

The governor also took aim at the recent sharp increase in fuel prices, accusing government-allied politicians of misleading Kenyans over the reasons behind the hike.

Natembeya dismissed claims linking the rise in fuel costs to tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, insisting the increases were politically driven.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority on Thursday announced new fuel prices, with super petrol increasing by KSh16.65 per litre and diesel by KSh46.29, while kerosene prices remained unchanged.

In Nairobi, super petrol is now retailing at KSh214.25 per litre, diesel at KSh242.92, while kerosene costs KSh152.78 per litre.

The governor also criticized the ongoing police crackdown targeting suspected criminal gangs in Kitale and surrounding areas, terming the operation selective, brutal and politically motivated.

“The ongoing operation by the police is illegal, barbaric and meant to intimidate unemployed youths being branded as goons,” he said.

Natembeya challenged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to improve police welfare instead of allowing officers to allegedly harass residents.

He further urged security agencies to focus on insecurity hotspots such as Suguta Valley, Garissa and Mandera rather than “instilling fear” in Trans Nzoia residents.

After the Kiminini funeral, the governor attended the burial of Mama Veronica Nasimiyu in Kabuyefwe before joining mourners at the funeral of Agnes Mulongo, an ECDE teacher at Ekekoro Primary School in Cherang’any Sub-County.

Natembeya concluded his day by condoling with the family of the late Mzee Daniel Wekhuyi during his burial at Muungano village in Kiminini.