Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya has resigned to join politics after serving in the public service for more than 25 years.

The 50-year-old Natembeya, who once served as a Personal Assistant to late former Internal Security Minister John Michuki, seeks to become the next governor of Trans Nzoia County.

The youngest Regional Commissioner, who worked his way up from a District Officer, on Tuesday announced his exit from the Civil Service to join elective ahead of the August 8 poll.

"I will on Wednesday formally announce my resignation to focus on politics as l seek the backing of residents of Trans Nzoia to become their governor," said Natembeya.

He added, “My rivals have been asking me to remove my official uniform and face them in Trans Nzoia. As from Wednesday, I will hang my boots to teach them about leadership.”

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He is the first top official in the government of President Uhuru Kenyatta to resign to seek an elective position in the August 8 General Election.

George Natembeya. PHOTO/COURTESY

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced February 9 as the deadline for public servants seeking elective posts to exit based on the Elections Act.

Tens of top government officials led by Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and Chief Administrative Secretaries are expected to resign as they eye various seats in the coming polls.

Among those set to resign to vie includes CSs Charles Keter, John Munyes, James Macharia, Sicily Kariuki, Ukur Yatani Eugene Wamalwa, Simon Chelugui, Najib Balala and Keriako Tobiko.

CS Keter and CAS Ababu Namwamba have openly declared their support for Deputy President William Ruto (UDA) in his State House bid but they, like the DP, are yet to resign from office.

Natembeya will square it out for the Trans Nzoia County gubernatorial seat, currently held by Patrick Khaemba, with Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa and Finance CEC Boniface Wanyonyi.