Nairobi News

Political rivalry has emerged between Trans Nzoia governor George Natembya and his deputy Philomena Kapkory after the latter wrote a letter expressing her safety fears in the line of duty over threats and intimidation by junior staff at the governor’s office.

The deputy governor has expressed safety fears following an alleged series of attacks and social media intimidations by junior County government staff working at the Governor’s office, claiming they have been attacking her on a tribal basis.

In a letter addressed to his boss, Mrs Kapkory said she feels her security is compromised following the threatening messages that have been on social media platforms including official Whatsapp groups office.

“My security at the county is highly compromised and therefore I will not be able to discharge my duties from the county for now until further notice. I am available by phone and email, and if there is a county office in Nairobi I can work from here until I am convinced that it is safe to come,” reads part of the letter dated October 4, 2023.

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The deputy Governor who confirmed to Nation sending the letter, said she feels that she has been unfairly targeted by a section of County officers which amounts to insubordination, and wants action taken against her before she can resume working at her office at the county headquarters in Kitale town.

“I am very sad that I am a victim of tribal profiling because of the quest by my people for the creation of the Mt Elgon county which is being opposed by the Sabaot community which has been in the public domain and residents of Trans Nzoia and Kenyans at large are concerned,” said the Deputy Governor.

She added that she has no personal differences with the Governor and called for him to take action against the officers intimidating her.

Human rights activists in the region have meanwhile urged Governor Natembeya to reign in on the employees saying they must observe the professional code of conduct that stipulates guidelines on how disciplinary measures have to be taken against such character.

“We call on the Governor to institute disciplinary action against the said officers to ensure such behaviors don’t occur in the future. We also call on the government to provide adequate security for the deputy governor since she has said her life’s in danger,” said Mr Boniface Wanyoike, a rights activist based in Kitale town.

Nairobi News made an inquiry at the Kitale police station to ascertain if the deputy governor has recorded any statement regarding the fear for her security.

“We have not received any complaint from the deputy governor regarding the fear for her life. We can only handle the case if she chooses to lodge a formal complaint,” said the county criminal investigations officer Francis Kihara.

Efforts by the Nation to get comments from Governor Natembeya were futile as he had not replied by the time of going to press.