George Natembeya's Biography, Age, Spouse, Tribe, Real Name, Networth and Lifestyle Wikidata | Claim this profile

George Natembeya's Biography in Summary

George Natembeya is the current Governor of Trans Nzoia County, and the former Regional Commissioner of Rift Valley, has garnered significant attention due to the rampant violence within his jurisdiction. He became the youngest regional commissioner. Laikipia county has been plagued by armed bandit attacks, including audacious daytime assaults, prompting the government to deploy the military to restore order.

Natembeya attributes the violence to political instigation, alongside challenges like historical injustices, female genital mutilation, cattle rustling, and recurring ethnic conflicts.

Despite these difficulties, Natembeya has exhibited strong leadership from his Nakuru office, tackling these issues head-on. His assertive communication style has often portrayed him as a controversial and stern administrator.

Natembeya's Family

He is a father of three children, with two pursuing higher education and one still in secondary school.

Natembeya's Education

He attended the Kenya School of Government before enrolling in the University of Nairobi's Anthropology undergraduate program. He was also a student at the Mother of Apostles Seminary, according to his LinkedIn profile. In 1999, George Natembeya received his Master's degree in Anthropology from the University of Nairobi. 

Natembeya's Career

He commenced his administrative journey as a Personal Assistant to the late Minister of Security, John Michuki. Reflecting on Michuki's leadership, Natembeya attributes much of his knowledge to him. After four years, he advanced to become a District Officer and later a District Commissioner in Murang’a.

As a District Commissioner, he effectively dealt with the notorious Mungiki gang that was terrorizing residents, succeeding Kenneth Lusaka, who later became the Senate Speaker.

In 2016, Natembeya was appointed a county commissioner in Isiolo by the Jubilee government, later transferring to Narok. In South Rift, he faced friction from some politicians while overseeing the protection of the Mau water towers. Despite opposition, he managed to evict over 10,000 settlers, garnering both supporters and critics.

In June 2019, he was elevated to the position of Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, a role he holds presently. However, he has hinted at a potential gubernatorial bid in Trans-Nzoia county, vying against contenders like Chris Wamalwa, MP of Kiminini. Natembeya claims that his exemplary service in the interior ministry has prompted calls from the county's electorate.

In 2016, he was appointed as Isiolo County Commissioner before being transferred to Narok. There, he was once again tasked with a heavy duty: protecting the Mau water towers. This was a high-stress duty that saw him evict over 10,000 settlers amid great strife.

He served as Rift Valley Regional Commissioner from June 2019 until his resignation on January 12, 2022. He was the first high-ranking government official to submit his resignation to the president in accordance with the Elections Act, which also set February 9th as the deadline for those in public service seeking elective positions.

He had been vying for the Trans Nzoia gubernatorial seat, which he eventually won. George Natembeya told NTV about his move.
 

Natembeya's Controversies

Natembeya's statements on insecurity, FGM, and early pregnancies have often stirred controversy. In 2019, as the County Commissioner of Narok, he suggested inspecting school children for FGM signs to hold parents accountable, a proposal criticized for stigmatizing affected girls.

While addressing the disarmament of bandits in Kerio Valley, he warned those defying the government, stating, "Hyenas will celebrate." He asserted that there was no room for non-compliance.

In September 2021, Natembeya alleged that bandits in the Laikipia conservancy possessed powerful M16 rifles superior to those used by Kenyan forces, suggesting that the government neither manufactures nor imports such weapons. However, he retracted his statement when the British Army training unit denied being the source of the rifles.