In a speech that could only be described as a masterful blend of lofty ideals and vague promises, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya on Saturday addressed a crowd at the burial ceremony of the former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairperson.
While the occasion was solemn, Natembeya seized the moment to weigh in on some of the most pressing issues facing the government: ID vetting, resource mobilization and distribution, unity, and development. His remarks, peppered with quotable soundbites, left many wondering whether they had just witnessed a blueprint for progress or a well-rehearsed political performance.
The Tran Nzoia County boss stance on ID vetting was, as expected, both firm and ambiguous. He began by acknowledging the growing concerns over the influx of outsiders in the country, a topic that has sparked heated debates in recent months.
“We must know who is among us,” he declared, his voice rising with conviction. “ID vetting is not about discrimination; it is about ensuring that every resource we have is accounted for and used for the benefit of our people.”
While his statement drew applause, it also raised eyebrows. Critics have long argued that ID vetting could easily be weaponized to target specific communities or political opponents. Natembeya, however, was quick to dismiss such concerns.
“This is not about politics,” he insisted. “This is about transparency and accountability. We cannot develop if we do not know who is sharing in our resources.”
Yet, for all his emphasis on transparency, the governor offered little in the way of concrete plans. How will the vetting process be conducted? Who will oversee it? And what safeguards will be put in place to prevent abuse? These questions remained unanswered, leaving many to wonder whether ID vetting is a genuine solution or merely a convenient smokescreen to deflect from deeper issues.
When it came to resource mobilization and distribution, Natembeya’s speech took on a tone of cautious optimism—or perhaps wishful thinking. “We are not a poor county,” he asserted.
“We are a county with immense potential. But potential alone is not enough. We must mobilize our resources wisely and distribute them equitably.”
This statement, while inspiring, glossed over the harsh realities of Trans Nzoia’s financial struggles. The county has consistently grappled with budget shortfalls, delayed payments to suppliers, and underfunded projects. Natembeya acknowledged these challenges but stopped short of offering a clear roadmap for addressing them.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that every shilling is accounted for,” he said. “But we cannot do it alone. We need the support of the national government, our partners, and, most importantly, our people.”
The governor’s call for collaboration was commendable, but it also felt like a tacit admission of his administration’s limitations. After all, if the county is as resource-rich as he claims, why does it still rely so heavily on external support? And why, despite his promises of equitable distribution, do some regions continue to lag behind in development?
Unity: The elusive dream
Unity was another recurring theme in Natembeya’s speech, though his definition of the term seemed to shift depending on the audience.
“We are one people, one county, one destiny,” he proclaimed. “Let us put aside our differences and work together for the common good.”
His call for unity,came across as more aspirational than actionable. “Unity is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” he said. “Without it, we cannot hope to achieve anything meaningful.”
But how does one foster unity in a county where mistrust and competition are the norm? Natembeya offered no answers, leaving his audience to ponder whether his vision of unity is achievable—or merely a convenient talking point.
The Governor turned his attention to development, a topic that has become something of a double-edged sword in his administration. “Development is not a privilege; it is a right,” he declared. “Every resident of Trans Nzoia deserves access to clean water, good roads, quality healthcare, and education.”
