The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya over allegations of ethnic contempt against the minority Sabaot community.
The summons stems from allegations that Natembeya urged the Sabaot community to be content with their leadership roles in the county government, discouraging their pursuit of a separate county.
Accusations also include alleged targeted hate messages directed at his Deputy, Philomena Kapkory, a member of the minority Sabaot community.
In a press conference on Tuesday, November 21, Natembeya expressed his willingness to cooperate with the summons.
“Anybody summoning me I will go. I know that they will say I have pride and will not go, but I will go. Even if they take me before an Assistant Chief I will still go. I will look in the eye those who say that I am inciteful because my history is known,” said Natembeya.
However, Matisi Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Obed Mwale objected to the summons, accusing NCIC Chairperson Samwel Kobia of being influenced by political motives.
Mwale urged the NCIC not to become a tool for political agendas, emphasising the need for independent leadership to foster development.
“I want to send a message to the Chairperson of the NCIC. It is about time you stopped being used by politicians to drive political agendas. They should not be used to drive political agendas to intimidate politicians; instead they should let leaders work independently so that our people can get development,” he said.
Similarly, residents of Trans Nzoia expressed their support for Governor Natembeya, defending his integrity and opposing the NCIC summons.
“We are opposing that summoning because we know that the governor is a hardworking man. Ever since we got devolution, Trans Nzoia has not been seen anywhere. All we want is for our county to be seen,” one resident said.
The context for this summons is a previous NCIC summons of the Governor, after his deputy governor Philomenah Bineah Kapkory reported threats aimed at her because of her role.
Kapkory attributed the challenges to the Sabaot community’s proposal for a separate county, which Governor Natembeya opposed.
“He further went on to state that not even an inch of Trans Nzoia would be hived off to form another county, insinuating that the Sabaot are greedy,” read part of the statement to the NCIC by Kapkory.
Natembeya is scheduled to appear before the commission on November 28, 2023, for questioning.
