Activists Say Natembeya a Security Threat, Call for Action Over Alleged Incitement in Trans Nzoia

Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has called on security agencies to closely monitor the political situation in Trans Nzoia County, accusing Governor George Natembeya of making remarks that he claims could fuel ethnic tensions over a proposed hospital and the allocation of market spaces in Kitale town.

Ngetich, speaking through the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, condemned what he described as dangerous and inflammatory statements attributed to the governor, warning that the remarks could undermine peaceful coexistence among communities that have lived together in the cosmopolitan county for decades.

The activist expressed concern over the political debate surrounding the proposed construction of a hospital announced by President William Ruto and the allocation of spaces at the new market in Kitale, arguing that the issues should be addressed through transparent administrative processes rather than ethnic or political mobilisation.

According to Ngetich, the statements attributed to Natembeya could create the impression that members of the Luhya community risk being sidelined or discriminated against during the distribution of market spaces.

He warned that such perceptions, if left unaddressed, could generate suspicion and resentment among residents, particularly if political leaders frame development projects and the allocation of public resources along ethnic lines.

Ngetich called on leaders across the political divide to exercise restraint and avoid statements that could be interpreted as targeting particular communities, saying public officials have a responsibility to protect social cohesion and ensure that disagreements over development projects do not escalate into hostility.

He maintained that the proposed hospital and the new market should be viewed as development opportunities intended to benefit residents regardless of their ethnic backgrounds or political affiliations.

The activist urged relevant authorities to ensure that the allocation of market spaces is conducted fairly and transparently, with clear criteria that can be understood by traders and other beneficiaries.

He argued that disputes over public resources should be resolved through established administrative and legal channels rather than political statements that could heighten tensions between communities.

### Ngetich warns against ethnic mobilisation

Ngetich said Trans Nzoia County has historically been home to several communities that have built strong social, economic and family ties over the years.

He cited relationships between members of the Luhya and Kalenjin communities, including intermarriages, as evidence of the longstanding bonds that connect residents beyond political affiliations and ethnic identities.

The activist warned that leaders should not be allowed to undermine these relationships through rhetoric that could create divisions among neighbours, business partners and relatives.

He described the county as a shared home for people from different backgrounds, arguing that its diversity should be treated as a source of strength rather than a political tool.

According to Ngetich, political competition should not come at the expense of peaceful coexistence, adding that residents should be allowed to pursue their livelihoods without fear of discrimination or violence because of their ethnic identity.

He further called on the National Police Service and other relevant security agencies to assess any credible information suggesting that organised activities could threaten public order in the county.

Ngetich alleged that ethnic mobilisation was taking place in parts of Trans Nzoia and warned that the situation required vigilance from authorities. However, the statement did not provide independently verified evidence establishing the scale or nature of the alleged mobilisation.

He urged security agencies to act impartially, investigate credible threats and ensure that all communities enjoy equal protection under the law.

The activist maintained that early intervention by the relevant authorities would help prevent political disagreements from developing into confrontations that could threaten lives, property and economic activity.

### Activist makes allegations against political leaders

In his statement, Ngetich also raised allegations concerning an alleged political network that he claimed could be involved in organising and financing activities intended to rally support for Governor Natembeya.

He mentioned Democracy for the Citizens Party deputy leader Cleophas Malala and Linda Mwananchi leader Edwin Sifuna in connection with what he described as a possible clandestine movement.

Ngetich further alleged that the activities could be linked to broader political efforts to create tension in the region as leaders position themselves for future political contests.

However, the claims linking Malala and Sifuna to the alleged activities were not independently verified, and the statement did not provide documentary evidence or other supporting material to establish their involvement.

The two leaders' responses to the allegations were not included in the statement provided.

The activist also alleged that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's political approach had contributed to ethnic suspicion and polarisation in other parts of the country, drawing parallels with what he believes could happen in Trans Nzoia.

These comparisons reflected Ngetich's political interpretation and were not independently established as evidence of a coordinated effort involving the individuals he named.

He urged political leaders to avoid importing divisive political strategies into Trans Nzoia, warning that the consequences of ethnic hostility could extend beyond immediate political disagreements and affect generations of residents.

### Questions over remarks attributed to Natembeya

Ngetich also took issue with remarks attributed to Natembeya suggesting that the following day could be his last, arguing that such statements could heighten anxiety among residents and create the impression that the governor was facing a threat to his life.

The activist claimed that the remarks could be interpreted as an attempt to generate sympathy and mobilise members of the Luhya community around fears that their leader was being targeted.

However, the full context of the governor's reported remarks was not provided, and the alleged intention behind them could not be independently established.

Ngetich urged political leaders to communicate responsibly, particularly when addressing sensitive matters involving security, development projects and relations between communities.

He said public statements by senior leaders can influence how residents interpret political events, adding that leaders should be careful not to create unnecessary fear or suspicion.

The activist called for any genuine security concerns raised by the governor to be handled through appropriate law-enforcement channels, rather than becoming a source of ethnic mobilisation or political confrontation.

He also urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information that could inflame tensions or encourage retaliatory action against members of other communities.

### Ngetich invokes historical ties between Luhya and Kalenjin communities

In appealing for unity, Ngetich invoked the political history of the region, recalling what he described as support extended by members of the Kalenjin community to the late Masinde Muliro and Fred Gumo during an earlier period when Kitale had only two constituencies, Kitale East and Kitale West.

He argued that the historical relationships between communities should be remembered as a foundation for continued cooperation rather than being overshadowed by contemporary political rivalries.

According to the activist, the history of political collaboration and social interaction in the region demonstrates that communities can work together despite differences in ethnicity, political affiliation and leadership preferences.

He urged members of the Luhya community in Trans Nzoia to recognise the importance of maintaining constructive relationships with their Kalenjin neighbours, while also calling on all other communities to uphold mutual respect and equal treatment.

Ngetich said intermarriages and longstanding family relationships have created bonds that cannot be adequately represented by political disagreements between individual leaders.

He warned that ethnic divisions could damage these relationships, disrupt businesses and undermine the peaceful environment needed for economic growth.

The activist called on residents to reject attempts to turn development projects into contests between communities, insisting that hospitals, markets, roads and other public facilities should serve the interests of the entire population.

He said political leaders should instead concentrate on addressing the needs of residents, including access to healthcare, employment opportunities, business facilities and improved public services.

### Youths cautioned against violence

Ngetich also issued a warning to young people, urging them not to allow themselves to be used in political confrontations or activities that could lead to violence.

He expressed concern that youths could be drawn into demonstrations or clashes through political mobilisation, only to face the legal consequences individually if criminal offences were committed.

The activist urged young people to evaluate political messages carefully and avoid acting on rumours, inflammatory statements or unverified allegations circulating within their communities.

He maintained that young people should protect their future by pursuing education, employment, business and other productive activities rather than becoming involved in confrontations that could result in injuries, arrests or destruction of property.

Ngetich called on parents, community elders, religious leaders and civil society organisations to engage young people in promoting peaceful coexistence and responsible political participation.

He further urged security officers to enforce the law fairly and professionally, warning against actions that could unfairly target particular communities or deepen public mistrust.

The activist said all residents should be treated equally under the law and that any individuals found to have committed offences should be held accountable through established legal processes.

He stressed that peaceful political expression and criticism of public officials should be distinguished from conduct that amounts to incitement or violence.

### Calls for responsible leadership and protection of peace

Ngetich maintained that Trans Nzoia's long history of interaction among different communities should not be jeopardised by disagreements over development projects or political positioning.

He argued that the county's social and economic progress depends on residents being able to conduct business, access public services and participate in community affairs without fear of ethnic hostility.

The activist said the proposed hospital and the new market in Kitale should be handled as public development initiatives, with authorities providing clear information to residents to address concerns over implementation and allocation of resources.

He urged leaders to use public forums and established government channels to resolve disagreements, rather than making statements that could heighten tensions.

Ngetich also called on the public to seek clarification from relevant authorities before accepting claims about alleged discrimination, security threats or plans by political groups.

He warned that misinformation and unsubstantiated allegations can spread quickly during politically sensitive periods, potentially creating fear and mistrust among communities.

The activist said leaders have a responsibility to promote dialogue and reassure residents that public resources will be administered fairly and that no community should be excluded because of its ethnic identity.

He further urged security agencies to investigate credible allegations of incitement or plans to disrupt public order without political favouritism, while safeguarding the constitutional rights of all residents.

Ngetich insisted that political ambition should not take precedence over the safety and welfare of ordinary citizens, arguing that the costs of ethnic hostility would be borne by families and businesses long after political contests have ended.

He called on Governor Natembeya and other political leaders to clarify their positions on the disputed issues and engage residents in constructive discussions aimed at resolving concerns peacefully.

The activist's statement comes amid political debate surrounding development projects and the allocation of public resources in Trans Nzoia, with the hospital proposal and market spaces emerging as issues of public interest.

While Ngetich has called for action by security agencies, the allegations contained in his statement have not been independently verified. A response from Governor Natembeya, Malala and Sifuna was not included in the material provided.

Ngetich concluded by urging residents from all communities in Trans Nzoia to protect the relationships they have built over the years and resist attempts to turn ethnic identity into a source of conflict.

He maintained that peace, unity and mutual respect remain essential for development, calling on leaders to place the interests of residents above personal political ambitions.

The activist said the county's future depends on the ability of its people to coexist peacefully, resolve disagreements through lawful means and ensure that development opportunities benefit all residents fairly.