Cherang’any MP Patrick Simiyu has defied alleged political intimidation, reaffirming his allegiance to the opposition and vowing to support Edwin Sifuna’s presidential bid and George Natembeya’s re-election.
Simiyu accused allies of President William Ruto of sidelining him from the inspection of national government-funded projects he claims to have championed, insisting the move will not force him to abandon his political convictions.
He cited the Sibanga Modern Market and the ongoing upgrade of the 27.5-kilometre Mwaita–Bwake–Makutano–Kapsara–Minex–Aruba–Kesegon Road to bitumen standards as projects he initiated but has since been sidelined from during presidential inspections.
“I have my political direction, and this intimidation by allies of the President will not shake me,” Simiyu said during the commissioning of a school bus at St. Matthew’s Sibanga High School.
The MP maintained that he would not abandon the opposition despite what he described as efforts to frustrate him over development projects.
His remarks come amid growing political tensions in Trans Nzoia, where Governor George Natembeya has accused the President of using development projects to advance political interests at the expense of county governments.
“Ruto wants to launch county government projects and deceive Kenyans into believing they were funded by the national government, yet that is not true,” Natembeya said.
Natembeya’s criticism centres on what he views as interference in devolved functions, accusing the national government of taking political credit for projects implemented by county administrations.
Deputy Speaker Obed Mwale also dismissed claims that pressure from the national government would force opposition leaders to tone down their criticism, declaring their resolve to push for regime change remained firm.
“We are so decided that we want regime change in this country. The country is headed in the wrong direction,” Mwale said.
Simiyu’s declaration further cements his political alignment with Sifuna and Natembeya as political realignments gather pace ahead of the 2027 General Election.
