‘You’ve no business in the opposition’ – Gachagua urges Governor Natembeya to ditch Raila
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has implored Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya to ditch the opposition and rally behind President William Ruto of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking during a Sunday service at St Andrew Kaggwa Catholic Church in Kwanza, Trans Nzoia County, Gachagua said the residents would benefit immensely if the county boss abandoned the Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition and led the region to join the government.
The country's second-in-command suggested that Natembeya was destined to be in government, citing his previous roles including his last assignment as the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner.
"The blood of George Natembeya is government. You (George Natembeya) have no business in the opposition. You can't even understand each other. You're not someone to carry a pot on your head. You're not a noisy person. You're someone who has been in the government for a long time. Isn't it true? Do you want him to join the government?" Gachagua posed to the congregation.
The DP lauded the governor for supporting President Ruto's development agenda despite being in the opposition and welcomed him to fully join the Kenya Kwanza camp. He stated that the governor understands better the benefits of being in government.
"Natembeywa come we work together. We have worked with you before. You were government you understand government like the back of your hand. You know how useful it's to be in government. Please lead the people of Trans Nzoia into government so that they can get a lot of development and service from the government," Gachagua said, adding that Azimio leader Raila Odinga had no chance of defeating Ruto in the 2027 polls.
Governor Natembeya is among county bosses in the Azimio coalition who have pledged to work with President Ruto's administration for the benefit of the electorate, after Raila failed to clinch the presidency in the August 2022 presidential poll.
The governor was elected on a Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) ticket.
Gachagua was in Trans Nzoia to represent President Ruto during a fundraiser at the church.
He was accompanied by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha and a host of members of parliament and ward representatives.
The service was presided over by retired Catholic Bishop Maurice Antony Crowley.
