By Afrireport 
Tensions between the national government and sections of county leadership escalated after remarks by a serving governor reignited debate over development, political persecution, and the use of state power.
The comments come amid heightened political temperatures in the Rift Valley region, where leaders are increasingly vocal about what they describe as marginalisation and selective application of the law.
Speaking during a public engagement in Trans-Nzoia County, George Natembeya questioned the value of high-profile presidential tours in regions where residents, he argued, have little to show in terms of tangible development.
The governor claimed that local communities are growing impatient with political rhetoric that is not matched by visible government investment.
Natembeya directly challenged William Ruto, asserting that the Head of State would struggle to justify a visit to Trans-Nzoia due to what he described as a lack of flagship national government projects.
According to the governor, the only major action associated with the President in the county has been his own arrest, which he insists was politically motivated.
There are no roads to commission, no factories to open, no development programmes to showcase,” Natembeya said, adding that residents are increasingly questioning the purpose of presidential visits that do not translate into improved livelihoods. He accused the national government of prioritising intimidation over service delivery, saying leaders who speak out are targeted rather than engaged.
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The governor maintained that his arrest was intended to silence dissent and intimidate other leaders who criticise the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He insisted that the charges against him were fabricated and aimed at weakening his political standing in the region, which has shown growing resistance to the ruling coalition.
Natembeya’s remarks come against the backdrop of a broader national conversation on governance, accountability and the use of state agencies in political contests.
Opposition leaders and some civil society groups have raised concerns over what they view as a trend of criminalising political disagreement, while government allies have dismissed such claims as attempts to evade accountability.
Supporters of the President argue that development projects take time and that ongoing initiatives in infrastructure, agriculture and housing will soon be visible across the country, including in Trans-Nzoia.
They have accused Natembeya of playing populist politics and using confrontational language to build a national profile ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Despite the criticism, Natembeya stood his ground, telling residents that leadership must be about delivering results rather than deploying security agencies.
He urged Trans-Nzoia residents to remain vigilant and to demand development not political theatrics.
