Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya made headlines on June 1, 2025, after he conspicuously skipped the county’s Madaraka Day celebrations.
His absence, along with that of his deputy, Philomena Kapkory, left residents and officials questioning the meaning and mood of the annual national event, which commemorates Kenya’s attainment of internal self-rule.
Natembeya cited deep political frustration, recent legal troubles, and what he described as the betrayal of the ideals of Madaraka Day as his reasons for not attending.
Speaking to the press the day after the event, he declared:
“I don’t have Madaraka. I asked myself, if I were to attend the Madaraka Day event, what exactly would I be celebrating?”The governor pointed to his recent arrest and arraignment on corruption allegations, which he claimed were politically motivated efforts to intimidate and silence him.
He questioned the legitimacy of celebrating self-rule when, in his view, state agencies were being used to oppress dissenting voices—even those in leadership.
“My people would have questioned the violence I’ve faced at the hands of police. If their governor is being brutalised like that, what about them—just ordinary Kenyans?”
