The feud between the immediate former Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, George Natembeya, and Elgeyo Marakwet Senator, Kipchumba Murkomen, escalated during the JKLive interview on Wednesday, January 26.
Natembeya made an appearance on the talk show where he had been invited to discuss his agenda and aspirations as he seeks to succeed the outgoing Trans Nzoia Governor, Patrick Khaemba, when Kenyans go to the polls on August 9.
In his appearance, the former Rift Valley security boss argued that he was the best placed candidate to lead the county as he has been in public service for close to three decades and this has given him the requisite experience.
"I loved my job, I loved that uniform. I’m one of those Regional Commissioners who spent most of their time in uniform.
"We are going to set the stage for serious transformation everywhere in this country. I hope Kenyans will give us a chance to show them how servant and visionary leadership looks like," stated Natembeya.
Senator Murkomen - a stauch ally of Deputy President William Ruto and who was watching the show - however, took an issue with the former Regional Commissioner's assertion arguing that his reign in the Rift Valley region was problematic.
"I hear Natambeya is campaigning on Citizen TV crossing his legs in pride and gloating about fictitious success in Rift Valley. He dare says he is the only this and that. One would think Haji and Chelanga (RIP) never served as PCs in Rift Valley. His two years were full of form (drama). No substance," he argued.
In a rejoinder, Natembeya slammed Murkomen's absence from his county noting that he interacted with the locals more than their Senator did.
He argued that Murkomen's behaviour in the region only catapulted his popularity in the region.
"Kipchumba Murkomen has no right to appraise me, I’m appraised by the people. For the last two and a half years I have been the RC Rift Valley I have gone to Elgeyo Marakwet County more than he has.
"The more he opens his mouth, the more the people love me... I have been in government for 26 years, Murkomen has been a politician for 10. He has nothing to tell me about government," stated the former commander.
Since Natembeya's resignation to pursue a life in politics, Murkomen and Tiaty MP William Kamket have been opposing him.
"George Natembeya was a terrible Regional Commissioner. He was divisive and polarising. He was solely responsible for setting communities against each other for political reasons. He failed the people of Rift Valley and Kerio Valley. His exit is good for the peace in the Rift Valley should have been fired," celebrated Murkomen after his resignation.
Natembeya resigned on Wednesday, January 12, noting that he was shifting focus to his Trans Nzoia gubernatorial bid.
He intensified his bid after he was endorsed by the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) on Sunday, January 2.
