Trans Nzoia Deputy Governor Philomena Kapkory Declares Support for Ruto
A new political crack has emerged in Trans Nzoia County after Deputy Governor Philomena Kapkory publicly declared her support for President William Ruto’s administration, going against her boss Governor George Natembeya who is a known critic of Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza government.
Kapkory who had been keeping a low profile had made headlines after attending a women’s empowerment event in Cherang’any constituency at AIC Kipkeikei Girls High School. The event was presided over by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and other top Kenya Kwanza leaders, her first public appearance in months.
At the event Kapkory pledged full support for President Ruto, saying he has delivered on his 2022 campaign promises.
“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,” she said, expressing confidence in Ruto’s re-election in 2027.
Her surprise announcement comes at a time when she has been at loggerheads with Governor Natembeya. The deputy governor has been absent from county functions since mid-2023 when the two fell out. Despite a reconciliation effort by the Senate’s Standing Committee on Devolution chaired by Senator Oburu Odinga, the two have not appeared together in public.
Kapkory had earlier accused members of Natembeya’s staff of sidelining her. During her speech she also asked residents to reject tribal politics, saying Trans Nzoia is a cosmopolitan county and we need inclusive leadership.
“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 new political alignment is expected to increase friction with Natembeya who is still a vocal opponent of Ruto’s policies and has been rallying Western Kenya leaders against the government.
Trans Nzoia Deputy Governor Philomena Kapkory Declares Support for Ruto