- Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung'wah urged Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya to proceed with the defamation case against the remarks he made during the funeral in Bungoma
- Ichung'wah, through his lawyer Adrian Kamotho, dismissed Natembeya's claims as baseless and said he would use top level lawyers if he were to sue him
- The controversial remarks accused Natembeya of ordering extrajudicial killings and crimes against humanity during his tenure as Rift Valley Commissioner.
- Kamotho's response echoed Natembeya's earlier public statements, claiming his alleged reputation was self-defamation and calling the defamation claims imaginary.
Nairobi – Majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah has dared Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya to proceed with legal action against him.
Source: Twitter
This comes after Ichung'wah made controversial remarks linking Natembeya to alleged extrajudicial killings during a funeral service in Bungoma county on Friday, January 3, 2025.
Ichung'wah, through his lawyer, Adrian Kamotho, dismissed Natembeya's claims as baseless and warned that any case against him will die when it reaches court.
Natembeya's legal team, Oringe Waswa & Oppany Advocates, had previously asked Ichung'wah to apologize for statements accusing the governor of crimes against humanity.
The remarks in question were made during the funeral of the mother of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang'ula, where Ichung'wah accused Natembeya of giving the order to kill and overseeing the violation of human rights when he was the Regional Head of the Rift Valley.
How did Ichung'wah answer Natembeya?
In a response on Wednesday, January 8, Kamotho did not mince words, claiming that Natembeya's alleged reputation had already been tarnished by his public confession.
He mentioned Natembeya's two controversial statements including the one where he claimed the authority to 'slaughter and slaughter people' has been handed over by the President.
“With a heavy heart, our client is at liberty to recall your client's recent public confessions and admissions of crimes against humanity,” read the letter in part.
Kamotho's letter further accused Natembeya of having a sense of self-importance and failing to deal with public scrutiny brought about by his actions.
What is Ichung'wah's warning to Natembeya
Ichung'wah's lawyer also highlighted Natembeya's behavior during the funeral, claiming that he appeared to be rejoicing and confirming the statements he claims to have defamed.
The Kikuyu Member of Parliament's response ended with a dare to Natembeya if he decides to proceed with legal action, promising “a very strong legal system.”.
“At the risk of stating the obvious, please note that any imaginary lawsuit your client intends against our client will be dead on arrival at the settlement. Should your client indulge in the delusion and proceed with any wrongful action against our client, that will be placed on a powerful legal counter, at your client's peril at your client's expense, the governor, is advised to govern himself accordingly,” added Ichung'wah.
How did Gachagua encourage Natembeya?
As previously reported, the former vice president Rigathi Gachagua defended Natembeya following the governor's dispute with the Kikuyu MP.
Gachagua urged Trans governor Nzoia Natembeya to remain steadfast in his service to the people and not to be offended by critics.
The former vice president urged Natembeya not to be afraid to speak the truth, raising criticism from the President's allies William Ruto it shows that he was influencing society.
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