A fresh political storm is brewing in Trans Nzoia county after Governor George Natembeya’s deputy, Philomena Kapkory, publicly declared her support for President William Ruto's administration.

Natembeya has been a vocal critic of President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration, a position that his deputy was also assumed to share.

However, after months of keeping a low profile, the Trans Nzoia deputy governor made her first public appearance, surprising many by attending an event graced by top Kenya Kwanza leaders, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

Kindiki graced the Cherang’any constituency women’s empowerment drive, which was held at AIC Kipkeikei Girls High School, an event that Natembeya’s deputy attended.

It was at the event that Kapkory publicly declared her support for the government, contrary to what her boss, Natembeya, had been preaching.

She said her support was based on Ruto fulfilling many of the promises he made to Kenyans during the 2022 campaigns.

"Are you happy to see our guests? Now, by show of hands, can I see two terms for President Ruto? Wow, I am also supporting our President 100% because we have seen what he has done in less than three years," the deputy county boss said.

She further noted that a majority of Kenyans still believe in Ruto’s leadership and that they will support his re-election bid in 2027.

Kapkory’s declaration comes after nearly six months of her being absent from public events. Until the event on Friday, July 11, she had not attended any public event in Trans Nzoia..

The deputy governor has kept a low profile since her fallout with Natembeya in mid-2023. Since then, the two have never been seen together, despite the Senate’s Standing Committee on Devolution, chaired by Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, brokering a truce.

Kapkory had accused Natembeya’s staff of undermining her.

Aside from declaring her support for the government and President Ruto, the Trans Nzoia deputy governor also asked locals to shun tribal politicians.

“You are all aware we live in a very cosmopolitan county, and for that reason, we should not entertain politicians who just loiter around without any meaningful agenda for us,” she said.

Her political stance is likely to put her at odds with Natembeya, who has been leading Western Kenya politicians in criticising various government policies and actions.

Previously, reported that Trans Nzoia Agriculture County Executive Committee Member (CECM), Phanice Khatundi, had declared that she would vie for the County Woman Member of Parliament seat.

Khatundi said she was prepared to take on incumbent Lilian Siyoin in the 2027 General Election.

The CECM vied for the seat in 2022 on a Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) ticket, but finished second behind Siyoi, who was the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate.

Source: TUKO.co.ke