Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has criticized President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of being driven by vested business interests and calling for an end to what he described as deep-seated conflicts of interest at the highest levels of government.
In an interview with Spice FM on July 9, Natembeya alleged that the government is dominated by cartels, with President Ruto himself at the center of multiple business ventures that put him in direct competition with ordinary citizens.
“This government is formed by cartels,” Natembeya said.
“President of Kenya, stop doing business with government. You are a farmer competing with citizens, you are in the timber business, you are in insurance, you are in transport, you are everywhere.”
The governor questioned the president’s ability to govern impartially while allegedly maintaining active financial interests across various sectors of the economy.
Natembeya on Ruto’s Son Breaking Laws
“President Ruto, can you focus on the business of governing?” he challenged.
“If you had these engagements before becoming president, can you let them be for the time that you are president? Because conflict of interest is real.”
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Natembeya also took aim at what he described as a breakdown of law and order, citing the president’s family as an example.
“Your son owns a matatu and is flaunting all traffic regulations,” he claimed.
“What are officers supposed to do? What are citizens supposed to do?”
The remarks have reignited debate over ethics in public service and the role of personal business interests in government leadership. As of Tuesday, State House had not issued an official response.
Natembeya also warned that the president’s conduct is setting a dangerous precedent.
“They are going to copy your son’s behaviour, who is not above the law,” he said.
“So, can the presidency be excluded from doing private business the moment you are in government?”
Why Natembeya’s Home was Raided
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) revealed the reason why detectives raided Kitale home of Trans Nzoia Governor George Ntembeya on the morning of Monday May 19, 2025.
In a statement, the Authority stated that the search operation is part of a wider investigation into allegations of procurement irregularities, abuse of office, bribery, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds by the Trans Nzoia County Government.
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“Today, Monday, 19th May 2025, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), upon obtaining search warrants, conducted searches at the residences and offices of Governor George Natembeya and four others in relation to alleged irregular procurement and fictitious payments of Kes 1.4 billion by the County Government of Trans-Nzoia during the Financial Years 2022/2023 and 2024/2025,” read part of the statement.
According to the EACC, the investigations are focused on three major projects awarded by the County Government:
- Rehabilitation and Modernisation of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A) — awarded to Parbat Siyan Construction Limited
- Construction of the Trans Nzoia County Headquarters Offices — awarded to C.M. Construction Company Limited
- Construction of Tom Mboya Hospital — awarded to Session Blue Contractors Limited
Additionally, the Commission stated that Natembeya is alleged to have influenced award of tenders and received kickbacks from contractors through proxies.
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