Trans Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya is one of the most influential politicians in the country.
He is known for his no-nonsense leadership, having transitioned from provincial administration. Born in 1971, Natembeya grew up in a modest background. His father worked at a local shop while his mother was a homemaker.
He attended the Kenya School of Government before enrolling in the University of Nairobi for a Bachelor of Anthropology, and later pursued a master’s degree in Anthropology.
He then began his career as a personal assistant to the late security minister John Michuki for four years, climbing the ranks to become a District Officer and later a District Commissioner in Murang’a.
As a DC, Natembeya’s roles involved dealing with the dreaded Mungiki gang that was terrorizing residents.
Police, Kenya Railways officials shut down Gideon Moi’s Kencont CFS
He was later appointed as the County Commissioner of Isiolo in 2016 before being transferred to Narok, where he was tasked with protecting the Mau water towers.
The position needed him to comprehend complex political and social dynamics, as he witnessed over 10,000 occupants’ ejection from Mau in order to conserve water catchments.
In June 2019, he was promoted to the position of Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, a position he resigned from to contest the Trans-Nzoia gubernatorial elections.
He joined the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) and successfully contested for the gubernatorial seat in Trans Nzoia County during the August 2022 general elections.
Natembeya assumed office in October 2022, becoming the second governor of the county. He is the mastermind of the Tawe Movement, which seeks to address issues affecting the people from the Western Region.
He is married to Lillian Khaemba, and together they have three children. Two of their children are pursuing higher education, while the youngest is in secondary school.
