Natembeya’s Explosive Attack on Murkomen Sparks Political Storm

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has intensified his criticism of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, questioning the latter’s political influence in Elgeyo-Marakwet and his ability to mobilise support for President William Ruto.

A political graphic circulating online attributes to Natembeya the claim that Murkomen has been unable to deliver Elgeyo-Marakwet votes to Ruto and alleges that the Cabinet Secretary relocated to Cherangany to conceal his political base.

The graphic also makes a reference to Murkomen’s Sengwer background, framing his community identity as part of the political argument.

The claims come against the backdrop of a long-running political rivalry between Natembeya and Murkomen.

Their disagreements became particularly visible in 2022, when Natembeya resigned as Rift Valley regional commissioner to contest the Trans Nzoia gubernatorial seat.

Murkomen criticised Natembeya’s leadership at the time, describing him as divisive, while Natembeya strongly rejected the criticism and accused his political opponents of being threatened by his entry into elective politics.

Murkomen, meanwhile, has maintained a significant political presence in Elgeyo-Marakwet. He previously represented the county in the Senate and was re-elected in the 2022 General Election before subsequently joining President Ruto’s Cabinet.

His political career has been closely associated with the Kenya Kwanza administration and the President’s political agenda.

The reference to the Sengwer community is also significant because the Sengwer are an indigenous community associated with the Cherangany Hills and areas of Elgeyo-Marakwet, Trans Nzoia and neighbouring counties.

Murkomen has previously been described as coming from a Sengwer background, with reports noting that his family had links to the Embobut Forest area.

However, ethnic identity and political performance are separate questions. The effectiveness of a political leader cannot objectively be determined solely by his or her community background.

Likewise, claims about electoral influence require evidence from voting patterns, campaign performance and political mobilisation rather than assertions circulated through social media graphics.

Elgeyo-Marakwet remains an important political constituency within the wider Rift Valley region. The county has also faced major challenges involving insecurity, environmental degradation, livelihoods and development.

In 2026, CS Kipchumba Murkomen linked persistent insecurity in the Kerio Valley to environmental degradation and resource competition while promoting conservation and peace-building initiatives in the region.

As Kenya moves closer to the 2027 General Election, such confrontations are likely to intensify as politicians seek to establish their influence and shape voter perceptions across the Rift Valley.

Dr._Tobias feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com