Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya was for the better part of Sunday the subject of ridicule after Kenyans learned that he had organised an eating competition in Kitale where the winner was awarded a Ksh2,000 cash prize.
Commenting on the matter on various platforms, most Kenyans questioned why the county chief saw it fit to only set aside a cash prize of Ksh2,000 despite being a man of able means.
The award became more controversial after the winner was forced to take off his shoes before going to meet the Governor who attended the event as the chief guest.
The eating competition is part of the Natembeya Cup which kicked off on December 1. The competition features various activities and will run for a month.
The eating competition attracted different contestants mostly locals from various wards who turned up either to watch or participate in the tournament.
In the eating competition, contestants locked horns by competing to finish a whole loaf of bread and a 2-litre soda.
Besides the eating competitions, 250 football teams from all 25 Wards in Trans Nzoia are currently locked in a tournament.
The Governor who attended one of the matches on Saturday promised the winning team, Ksh1 million.
Reports indicate that the remaining teams will get undisclosed amounts which will depend on how far they go in the competition.
Natembeya is a huge sports fan and has in the past encouraged the youth to immerse themselves in constructive activities instead of engaging in crime and consuming drugs.
Since being elected Governor, Natembeya has puzzled observers with his unconventional leadership initiatives.
In November 2022, Natembeya awarded a nurse who recorded herself on TikTok entertaining a patient at a public hospital in Trans Nzoia.
The Governor offered to offset the nurse's school fees and help her secure a job upon completion of her studies.
