Governor Natembeya Fires Back At Commissioner Allaso Over Saluting Ban And Brands Him Ruto’s Gateman

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has sharply criticised County Commissioner Hussein Allaso for ordering national government administrators to stop saluting him. He accused the official of acting like President William Ruto’s gateman.

On Mashujaa Day on October 20 Allaso directed deputy county commissioners and assistant county commissioners to withhold official courtesies from the governor. Chiefs and assistant chiefs were also included in the order.

He linked the directive to the governor’s alleged disrespect for the President. He said those who do not respect the Head of State should not be respected either. He added that administrators would return the slight.

The order deepens an already bitter standoff between Natembeya and Ruto. The feud centres on the Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale.

The governor insists the facility was largely funded by the county government and the World Bank. He says the county put in about Ksh500 million. Ruto opened the market and Natembeya has accused him of taking credit and interfering with stall allocations.

Responding to the order Natembeya told the commissioner to be less emotional and stop sycophancy. He said commissioners rise through professionalism and not praise-singing. He noted that power is transient.

The governor also asked what Allaso would do if Ruto were voted out and the commissioner found himself serving under an opposition government.

The exchange has raised questions about the political neutrality of public officers. Many are asking where official protocol ends and political loyalty begins.

Natembeya is a vocal critic associated with opposition politics and the Tawe movement. He has previously insisted that he is not answerable to the President. He says national government administrators report to the Head of State and not to the elected governor.

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