George Natembeya, the governor of Trans Nzoia, candidly discussed the background of a contentious incident involving National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula this morning on a well-known Luhya radio station. During Wetangula’s mother’s recent funeral, the governor publicly discussed how he has been providing financial support for Wetangula’s father, a revelation that caused strong feelings.
When Natembeya brought up his financial support for Wetangula’s father during the funeral a few weeks ago, tensions erupted. Wetangula, who was clearly upset by the announcement, chastised Natembeya for bringing up the subject in public, claiming that it was improper and unnecessary to reveal personal assistance at such a solemn event. The unexpected interaction attracted a lot of attention and temporarily put the event on hold.
Natembeya gave an explanation of the circumstances behind his actions during the radio interview. He disclosed that Wetangula’s father contacted him for help when Wetangula’s mother became seriously ill and needed immediate medical attention. Natembeya claims that the elder Wetangula needed money for gas in order to make the hasty trip to the hospital. Compassionate, Natembeya sent Ksh 10,000 without hesitation, double the Ksh 5,000 that was asked for.
“I did it out of the kindness of my heart, just as I would for my own father,” Natembeya said. He emphasized that his gesture was motivated purely by goodwill, not political gain. “Despite my political differences with Wetangula, personal matters like family emergencies transcend politics.”
Natembeya also revealed that the elderly Wetangula had previously borrowed money from him. He disclosed that Wetangula’s father would frequently ask for help, including at church events, and Natembeya would always provide it without hesitation or asking for anything in return.
In response to the backlash against his public reference to the help, Natembeya said he was forced to speak up by hecklers at the funeral. He claimed that the audience’s impression of hostility between him and Wetangula forced him to make it clear that interpersonal ties are distinct from political rivalries.
“I was not bragging, as Musalia Mudavadi suggested during the funeral,” Natembeya noted, defending his actions as sincere and devoid of ill intentions.” He reaffirmed that his backing of Wetangula’s father was not political rhetoric but rather a reflection of our common humanity.
By Nairobi