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Natembeya, his deputy skip Madaraka Day celebrations
Governor Natembeya and his deputy Philomena Kapkory skipped the county Madaraka Day celebrations, they were represented by Health CEC Sam Ojwang.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and his deputy Philomena Kapkory skipped the Madaraka Day celebrations on Sunday.
It was the first time the Trans Nzoia Governor had skipped a national event since he was elected governor.
This year's event, held at Lessos Primary School in Kwanza Sub-County, was low-key and poorly attended. It was presided over by County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi and the county security team, with just a handful of residents turning up, and mostly children.
Most Nzoia MCAs also skipped the event.
Kwanza Member of Parliament Ferdinand Wanyonyi, whose constituency hosted this year's event, was said to be in Singapore for a Parliamentary assignment.
Empty seats, others occupied by children during Madaraka Day celebrations in Trans Nzoia County.
Governor Natembeya was represented by County Health Executive Committee Member Sam OJwang.
Despite the creative entertainment presentation by school children, the event missed the pomp and color following the absence of top county leaders.
When he resumed work last week after his ordeal with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission the previous week, the Governor had hinted that he would not attend this year's event due to his ongoing tribulations.
“I will not attend the event because I don't have the freedom at the moment. What will I tell my people at the event when I am facing humiliation by state organs,” he said on Wednesday.
The Governor moved his operations to Kiminini Sub-County offices in a bid to comply with the court directive which barred him mfrom stepping into his Kitale county government headquarters for 60 days.
He termed it as political persecution, noting that he had little to celebrate as the country celebrated the 62nd Madaraka Day led by President William Ruto.
“Is this what we fought for our independence when leaders face such humiliation and political persecution? If this is what can happen to a Governor, what about the common mwananchi,” he said.