Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. PHOTO/UGC
By OUR REPORTER
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has declared interest in the 2027 presidential race and called on voters from the western region and across the country to be ready to rally behind his candidacy.
Mr Natembeya assured his supporters that he is ready to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 presidential race and revealed he is assembling a think tank to advise him on his journey to State House
The Governor made the remarks at a Nairobi hotel during a meeting with members of the Western Elites Association (WEA), led by their national chairman Liyala Omulisya, where he also called on residents of Malava Constituency to support the DAP-K aspirant in the upcoming by-election, following the death of local MP Malulu Injendi.
He urged the Luhya community to show unity in the Malava by-election by voting for the DAP-K candidate, accusing ODM and its leader Raila Odinga of taking the region for granted.
Natembeya criticised Raila for allegedly sidelining other Azimio affiliate parties, stating that before signing a memorandum of understanding with President Ruto’s UDA, Raila had promised Wycliffe Oparanya the Treasury docket. Instead, he gave the position to his Nyanza ally John Mbadi, appointing Oparanya as the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs — which Natembeya mockingly referred to as “CS for Fuliza.”
He accused those claiming the Luhya community is not united of seeking to manipulate them, noting that Raila’s ODM has consistently received over 80 percent of the vote in Vihiga, Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma, and Trans Nzoia counties.
A section of Western Elites Association (WEA) with Governor Natembeya. PHOTO/UGC.
“Luhyas are one tribe with 18 sub-clans — just like the Kalenjins, who comprise Nandis, Kipsigis, Keiyos, Marakwets, Pokots, Sabaots, among others,” he said.
Mr Natembeya said the DAP-K candidate would also represent the Tawe Movement, and that he would join other opposition leaders in campaigning for the nominee selected by the Eugene Wamalwa-led party.
He accused National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi of failing to use their combined 70 years in government to deliver meaningful development to the western region.
“The marginalisation of our people by the government is a result of poor leadership from Wetang’ula and Mudavadi, who only think of their own interests and not the broader Luhya agenda. We must change this in 2027,” he said.
He cited an instance when President Ruto dismissed his entire Cabinet and appointed Mudavadi to act in all portfolios. However, when the Cabinet was reconstituted, no individual associated with Mudavadi was appointed to the cabinet.
Mr Natembeya claimed both Wetang’ula and Mudavadi are reluctant to champion Luhya interests within the Kenya Kwanza administration because they are presidential appointees afraid of being sacked.
He urged the Luhya community to invest in new leadership that will fight for their interests, instead of relying on the so-called Luhya kingpins who, despite being high in the government hierarchy, have little to show for the region.
Western Elites Association (WEA) members with Governor Natembeya. PHOTO/UGC.
“Poverty levels in Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia and Trans Nzoia remain high. We need real economic empowerment,” he said.
He blamed the collapse of Pan Paper Mills, Mumias Sugar Company, and Nzoia Sugar Company — once the backbone of the western economy — for the region’s poverty and rising unemployment.
Natembeya reiterated that the narrative of Luhya disunity is a tactic used to suppress the community’s political voice. He also issued a warning to those underestimating the power of young people, citing recent incidents where youth stormed Parliament as a sign of growing frustration over unemployment and economic hardship.
“When someone has lost all hope, they have nothing to lose,” he said.
He further expressed concern over recent reports that the IEBC selection panel introduced six new names to the list of shortlisted candidates for the commission chairperson and member roles just days before interviews began.
“Anyone planning to compromise the 2027 presidential elections is courting disaster. The polls must not only be free and fair but also verifiable,” he warned.
Governor Natembeya hit out at the police for disrupting the staging of Butere Girls High School play “Echoes of War” saying drama has long stood as a pillar of societal reflection, a mirror to political, cultural, and moral realities.
