Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya has resigned from the National Police Service (NPS) even as he eyes a political future.
The outspoken commissioner who formerly served the late Interior Minister John Michuki as a personal assistant is trading his guns for Trans Nzoia Governor’s seat.
“I am no longer the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner. My rivals have been asking me to remove my official uniform and face them in Trans Nzoia. As from Wednesday, I will hang my boots to teach them about leadership,” Natembeya said.
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All public servants eying any political seats are required to resign from their posts latest February 9 in line with the Elections Act.
At least 20 senior government officials including Cabinet Secretaries are expected to tender their resignations ahead of the February 9 deadline.
Among the senior government officials eying political seats include Cabinet secretaries Charles Keter, James Macharia, John Munyes, Sicily Kariuki, Peter Munya, Eugene Wamalwa, Ukur Yatani, Simon Chelugui, Mutahi Kagwe, Keriako Tobiko and Najib Balala.
Natembeya began his administrative role as a PA to Michukibefore he was promoted to a District Officer then to a District Commissioner in Murang’a where he took the place of the current Senate speaker Kenneth Lusaka.
In 2016, he was appointed as the county commissioner for Isiolo where he served briefly before he was transferred to Narok.
In Narok he was tasked with protecting the Mau water towers, where he evicted over 10,000 encroachers amidst a political battle.
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In 2019, he was appointed the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner where he has served to date.
In his quest to become the second governor for Trans-Nzoia, Natembeya will face Trans-Nzoia Finance Executive Boniface Wanyonyi, Trans-Nzoia Woman Representative Janet Nangabo, former Agriculture Executive Andrew Wanyonyi, businessman Moses Khaoya and Philemon Samoei.
Deputy President William Ruto’s aides Abraham Singoei and Maurice Bisau are also said to be eying the seat.