Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has fired back at Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya over controversial remarks linking poverty and illiteracy in Western Kenya to deliberate political manipulation by local leaders.
In a strongly worded response, Salasya accused Natembeya of demeaning the Luhya community and undermining their dignity and cultural strength.
“Natembeya’s views don’t define us,” said Salasya. “We Luhyas are resilient, hardworking, and rich in culture. We are not poor; we are a powerhouse ready to lead.”
Governor Natembeya had earlier appeared on Spice FM on Wednesday, July 9, where he claimed that a number of leaders in Western Kenya deliberately maintain poverty and low literacy levels to retain political control over the electorate.
“The situation in Western is orchestrated,” Natembeya said. “The leaders are not interested in fighting illiteracy or poverty because illiterate, poor people are easier to manipulate and control.”
He went on to say that attempts to empower the region’s residents are often met with hostility from those in power. “When you try to come out and empower the people, you become a threat. In Western, when you give someone 50 shillings, they’ll vote for you. These leaders are extremely insecure; they don’t want anyone challenging the status quo,” Natembeya claimed.
His remarks have sparked widespread criticism, with many leaders and residents accusing him of making blanket statements that unfairly characterize both voters and elected representatives in the region.
Salasya, one of the youngest legislators from the region, urged leaders to focus on uplifting the people through development rather than making divisive comments.
“It’s wrong to generalize a whole region as poor and illiterate for political mileage. Our people deserve better—better schools, better roads, better healthcare—not insults,” he added.