Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya has become the first civil servant to resign to contest in the coming August General Elections.
Speaking at his office in Nakuru, Natembeya said the time has come for him to focus his energy on his ambition of becoming Trans-Nzoia governor.
On Tuesday while addressing residents at a function in Tran Nzoia, Natembeya promised to resign from his position and embark on campaigns.
“My rivals have been asking me to quit office and face them in Trans Nzoia. As from Wednesday, I will hang my boots to teach them about leadership,” Natembeya said.
The Regional Commissioner has been locking horns with Kimilili MP Chris Wamalwa, who also wants the gubernatorial seat in upcoming elections.
The MP, in June last year accused Natembeya of using government projects to political mileage, challenging him to resign and face him directly.
“Remove your uniform and face me in the gubernatorial race or I will personally remove them,” Wamalwa told Natembeya in the press conference at Milimani.
While on a campaign trail last week in Trans Nzoia, UDA legislatures cautioned residents not to elect Natembeya accusing him of being a dictator.
“Please don’t make the mistake of electing Natembeya. If you make that mistake, I can assure you, you will have to kneel before him to get county services,” Kipchumba Murkomen said.
Natembeya who enjoys the support of Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugine Wamalwa, is expected to contest on Democratic Alliance Party (DAP) ticket.
The now-former regional boss is also expected to compete against the Legal Advisor in the office of president Abraham Singo’oei and Maurice Kakai Bissau who both will be seeking UDA tickets.
Natembeya becomes the first high-ranking member of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration to resign.
IEBC had set February 9 as the deadline for public servants eyeing politics in the August 9 General Elections to resign in line with the Election Act.
More civil servants including some Cabinet Secretaries are epected to resign ahead of the deadline.
