George Natembeya Rubbishes Calls To Split Trans Nzoia Into 2 Counties: "We Don't Want Nonsense"

• Governor George Natembeya has stood firm against the division of Trans Nzoia to form Mt. Elgon county
• Natembeya dismisses the notion of splitting Trans Nzoia, labelling it as nonsense and emphasising his commitment to protecting the county's boundaries
• He encouraged addressing the matter honestly, rejecting tribalism in favour of focusing on substantial concerns and unity within the county

Trans Nzoia - Governor George Natembeya has reiterated that he would not allow the splitting of Trans Nzoia into two counties.

Natembeya sentiments have been fuelled by calls to hive off parts of Bungoma and Trans Nzoia to form Mt Elgon county.

The county boss maintained that he wouldn't entertain the talk in Trans Nzoi, describing it as nonsense.

He said those dissatisfied in the county were free to pack up and leave rather than call for a county division.

"I cannot accept this. Let me tell you, sir, as long as I am the governor, I will protect these boundaries. Absolutely not, no way. I'm not denying anyone their county, but Trans Nzoia is not available for splitting. You can go and create elsewhere, but this land is ours... Let that discussion take place in Bungoma, but we don't want that nonsense here.

We reject that nonsense. We don't want it. So, if I speak like this, someone might claim I didn't eat ugali because Natembeya spoke negatively. If you have issues with Trans Nzoia, you can slowly pack up and leave," he said amid cheers.

He spoke on Wednesday, August 22, during an anniversary mass commemorating the 8th Vice President of Kenya, Kijana Michael Wamalwa, at his Milimani residence.

Why Natembeya is against county split

The county chief dismissed the calls by some quarters, adding that those calling for the split would not be governors anytime soon if the split materialises.

He explained that the county needed to face the issues with facts and honesty rather than discussing them on tribal grounds.

"The way people are gossiping, saying let's get a county. They tell you to fight for a county, but you won't become a governor anytime soon. Let's focus on things that matter. Here, we don't have discrimination.

I am responding to some people; those who like to walk around saying we've been oppressed. You have a deputy governor, a senator, a women's representative, and a chief officer – what kind of discrimination is that? We must confront each other and this issue honestly not tribalism," he added.

Historical and cultural discrimination

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that Sabaot leaders supporting the split said they had proposed to have the community governed in their county.

They argued that their move was informed by historical and cultural discrimination in the two counties.

Masuti Chemasuet, a community leader, said the community has a right to be administrated whenever they want.

The community wants the proposed county to comprise Mt Elgon, Endebess, Kwanza and Saboti constituencies.