Natembeya Alleges Amount Each UDA Aspirant Will Be Paid After Meeting President Ruto at State House

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has sparked fresh controversy after alleging that each United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirant who attended a recent forum at State House is set to receive a cash payout.

In a social media post on Wednesday, February 4, Natembeya claimed that every aspirant who attended the meeting convened by President William Ruto would receive KSh 20,000, raising questions about the source and purpose of the funds.

According to the governor, at least 12,353 aspirants were present at the event, translating to an estimated KSh 247 million spent in a single day. Natembeya argued that when logistical and associated costs are factored in, the total expenditure could easily approach KSh 300 million.

“This is not party money,” Natembeya claimed, insisting that the funds allegedly disbursed originate from taxpayers’ pockets. 

He warned that such spending, if proven true, would amount to a misuse of public resources under the guise of political mobilization.

To put the figure into perspective, the outspoken governor compared the alleged expenditure to infrastructure development costs. 

He noted that constructing low-volume rural tarmac roads typically costs between KSh 20 million and KSh 40 million per kilometre. 

Using that benchmark, Natembeya argued that the amount allegedly spent at State House could have financed up to 15 kilometres of tarmac road, enough to significantly improve connectivity in rural areas such as the Kipsongo–Kisawai stretch in Trans Nzoia County.

The remarks followed a high-profile meeting held at State House on Wednesday, where President Ruto, who is also the UDA party leader, hosted thousands of aspirants intending to contest various seats on the ruling party’s ticket in the 2027 General Election.

 Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who doubles as UDA’s deputy party leader, was also in attendance.

During the forum, President Ruto and his deputy praised UDA’s growing numbers and described the party as firmly on course to retain power in 2027. 

The event attracted aspirants from across the country, underscoring the intense competition expected during party nominations.

Among the notable figures who attended the forum was Chama Cha Kazi party leader Moses Kuria, who recently announced plans to vie for the Gatundu South parliamentary seat on a UDA ticket. 

Kuria appeared at the event fully clad in UDA regalia, signaling his political alignment ahead of the polls.