Chaos as Trans Nzoia Residents Walk Out During Ruto’s Madaraka Day Speech
The dramatic walkout happened moments before County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi could read President William Ruto’s speech.
In viral footage captured at Lessos Primary School grounds, the crowd stood up in protest and walked out — leaving only a handful of government officials and security officers behind.
Governor Natembeya Missing, Tension Boils
Governor George Natembeya and his deputy, Philomena Kapkory, were absent from the event.
Health CEC Sam Ojwang was sent to represent the governor. However, he appeared shocked and helpless as residents rejected the president’s speech.
Earlier that day, Natembeya explained his absence while speaking at a public event in Kiminini.
“At the moment, I hold no position of power,”
“So why should I attend celebrations of authority?” Natembeya posed.
He went on to question the meaning of independence, stating:
“The worsening poverty is a new form of colonialism.”
“We have been deceiving ourselves, and I will consider in the future whether or not to attend such celebrations.”
Walkout Sparks Political Questions
Though the residents did not explain their walkout, political tension in the region has been rising.
In May, Governor Natembeya was targeted in a dramatic EACC operation. Officers raided his Milimani home in Kitale over alleged corruption involving Ksh1.4 billion.
The scene turned chaotic as his supporters tried to block the raid. They vandalized EACC vehicles and confronted officers.
Natembeya later claimed the case was politically motivated.
“They are trying to silence me because I speak out against bad projects,” he told his supporters.
Since then, he has become more vocal in criticizing President Ruto’s administration.
Ruto’s Speech Unheard in Kitale
Ironically, President Ruto’s speech was one of the longest in Madaraka Day history.
It featured key announcements, including a promise to push for constitutional reforms allowing Kenyans to access up to Ksh5 million in low-interest mortgages.
Yet in Trans Nzoia, almost no one was left to hear it.
ALSO READ:Raila Demands Justice for Victims of 2024 Protests in Powerful Madaraka Day Speech
Chaos as Trans Nzoia Residents Walk Out During Ruto’s Madaraka Day Speech
