Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

- A section of professionals from Western Kenya have strongly condemned the dramatic raid and arrest of Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya.

The professionals, who are part of the Mulembe Unified Forum, called out President William Ruto's administration for allegedly targeting progressive leaders from Western Kenya.

Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, the group singled out the mistreatment of Natemeny, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, and former UDA secretary general Cleophas Malala.

The Mumias East lawmaker was dramatically arrested by masked men on his way to Isiolo and locked up at Central Police Station.

Irene Namtilu Chemasasi warned that Mulembe people will not continue sitting pretty as young and progressive leaders from the region are frustrated by the government.

"Concerning Mumias East MP Peter Salasya's arrest and Trans Nzoia governor Geoge Natembeya's raid, we as the Mulembe people are not going to just sit and watch our able leaders being intimidated, enough of this drama," Namtilu said.

Serophine Nafula Siundu from Bungoma county equally stated that the trend of young leaders from Mulembe nation being targeted was worrying

Nafula highlighted recent troubles faced by Malala over the controversial play by Butere Girls and the incitement allegations against Salasay.

According to Nafula, the current trend raises serious questions about the democratic space in the country.

"We start with Cleo Malala and how he was put on the run with the drama script that ended up causing suspicion about what is really going on, and his life was put in danger as a result. Secondly, Peter Salasya, who is currently in custody under allegations of incitement and all and being under arrest, raises questions, as his lawyer has talked to the public, highlighting this openly, and we're concerned about our democratic nation that isn't democratic after all, judging from the actions described on our people," Nafula said.

She questioned why top leadership from Western Kenya, such as Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, are silent over the ongoing issues affecting the region.

Nafula wondered whether Wetang'ula and Mudavadi are worried about the upcoming youthful progressive leaders in the region ahead of the 2027 General Election.

"The hard question is, why are our people being disrespected and manhandled in this manner? What is the main agenda, and where is the end to this? These are young and vibrant leaders from our community, and we are not impressed by all this, as they're our representatives. We also question why the topmost leadership of this country, from our people, are mute about this. Are they part of it?. It is unfortunate that we're stripped when we would have been covered and guided better in handling issues from our people, instead of the current approach, which is disturbing for sure," she added.

Pastor Dominic Zalo also condemned the harassment of youthful leaders from Western Kenya by state agencies.

He rebuked the Kenya Kwanza administration over the use of state agencies to intimidate its opponents ahead of the next election.

Governor Natembeya has been a fierce critic of Ruto's administration and recently led the demonstrations against the leasing of Nzoia Sugar Company.

Zalo firmly stated that as professionals, they will not let the government continue intimidating leaders who have huge potential to transform the region and the entire country.

"What is happening in this country, especially to our Luhya leaders, is totally unacceptable under this Kenya Kwanza regime. You don’t intimidate your opponent with government apparatus rather face them with facts to counter their claims. We are ready to mobilise our community against any government functions within the region until our leaders are recognised and respected. We now demand the immediate release of Peter Salasya and the immediate withdrawal of police harassment from our governor, Natembeya," Zalo stated.

Meanwhile, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi condemned the recent raids on Natembeya’s home, describing the use of security officers without proper evidence as backwards, draconian, and humiliating to families, including children.

He urged authorities to conduct thorough intelligence gathering before conducting such operations, warning that arbitrary raids could provoke hostile reactions from the public.

Amisi called for an immediate halt to the raids and demanded a clear explanation be provided to the people of Trans Nzoia.

Source: TUKO.co.ke