Natembeya Rallies Luhya Unity, Calls for Restoration of Dignity During Malava Campaign Tour

 

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has intensified his call for the Luhya community to reclaim its dignity and take charge of its political destiny, accusing successive regimes of relegating the community to the periphery of national development.

Speaking during a whirlwind campaign tour of West and South Kabras in Kakamega County, where he drummed up support for Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) candidate Seth Panyako ahead of the Malava Constituency by-election, Natembeya said it was time the Luhya nation rose against decades of neglect and political manipulation.

“The dignity of the Luhya people has been eroded. We have been treated as pawns—used for odd jobs while others enjoy the fruits of our labour,” Natembeya declared to a cheering crowd. “This election is not just about Malava. It is about restoring the pride of a people who have for too long been left behind.”

The governor, who has hinted at vying for the presidency in the 2027 general election under his TAWE Movement, said the Luhya community—despite being Kenya’s second-largest ethnic group—remains economically and politically marginalized. He cited persistent underrepresentation in government appointments, public service, and national projects as evidence of systemic exclusion.

“Look at the recent Kenya Defence Forces recruitment. How many young men and women from Western got a chance? Our people are qualified, yet they are turned away while others are favoured. This must stop,” he said.

‘From House Helps to Grave Diggers’

Natembeya spoke candidly about the stereotypes and roles that continue to demean the community, saying the Luhya must demand respect beyond domestic and manual labour.

“Kila mtu anajua watu wetu wanatafutwa pale tu inapohitajika mfanyakazi wa nyumba. Leo hii mama akijifungua, wanakuja kutafuta Mluhya; mtu akikufa sisi ndio tunatafutwa kuchimba kaburi,” he said amid laughter and applause. “Respect must extend beyond that. We are educated, skilled, and capable of leading.”

The governor said his message was rooted in the economic realities of Western Kenya, where industrial collapse and political neglect have led to widespread unemployment and poverty.

He cited the closure of key regional industries such as the Pan African Paper Mills in Webuye, the Kitinda Milk Plant in Bungoma, and the troubled Mumias and Nzoia sugar factories, saying these failures represent a deliberate economic sabotage of the Luhya heartland.

“Our factories have died, our youth are jobless, and our farmers are crying. Yet those who have been in leadership for over 70 years combined — one for 40 and another for 30 — are still telling us to be patient. Enough is enough,” Natembeya said.

Accuses Kenya Kwanza of Political Exploitation

Natembeya took aim at President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of exploiting the Luhya vote while offering little in return. He alleged that top government officials were camping in Malava to influence the outcome of the by-election using public resources.

“I’m told the whole government is here in Malava carrying sacks of money to buy votes,” he said. “When they come to you, take it—it’s your tax—but remember, your vote is your power.”

He urged voters not to be swayed by promises and intimidation, warning them against being “hoodwinked by outsiders” who only show up during elections.

Khalwale, Barasa, and Other Leaders Join the Call

Natembeya was accompanied by several Western leaders, including Kakamega Senator Dr. Boni Khalwale, Bungoma gubernatorial aspirant Zacharia Barasa, DAP-K National Chairman David Muchele, former Webuye MP Joash Wamang’oli, and several ward representatives from Kakamega and Trans Nzoia counties.

Senator Khalwale echoed Natembeya’s call for unity and political emancipation of the Luhya people, urging them to rally behind Natembeya’s 2027 presidential bid.

“I speak on the shoulders of the late doyen of multiparty democracy Pius Masinde Muliro, the late Vice President Michael Wamalwa Kijana, and the late George Kaptein. It is time for the Luhya nation to stand firm and support George Natembeya for the presidency,” Khalwale said.

He accused President Ruto of sidelining Luhya leaders within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and allowing his personal aide, Farouk Kibet, to dictate who runs for political office in Western Kenya.

“Who bewitched us, fellow Luhyas, that we now kneel before the President’s aide? It is an insult to our people,” Khalwale charged.

‘Reject Government Project’

Bungoma gubernatorial hopeful Zacharia Barasa also urged Malava voters to reject what he termed as a “government-sponsored project,” alleging that the Kenya Kwanza administration had deployed state machinery to campaign for the UDA candidate.

“Let us send a strong message that Western Kenya cannot be bought. Vote for Seth Panyako as a sign of self-emancipation and dignity,” Barasa said.

Panyako, the DAP-K candidate and former Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) secretary-general, pledged to prioritize development and job creation if elected. He criticized local sugar companies such as Butali and West Kenya for failing to implement the 70% local employment policy.

“It is unethical for companies operating in our backyard to employ outsiders while our youth remain jobless. I will fight to ensure Malava residents benefit from the resources around them,” he said.

A Growing Political Movement

Natembeya’s campaign in Malava appeared to energize the DAP-K base and rekindle debate on Luhya unity ahead of the 2027 elections. His TAWE Movement, which stands for “no more oppression,” is rapidly emerging as a rallying call among Western Kenya residents frustrated by perceived exclusion from national power.

The governor said the Malava by-election was a test of the community’s resolve to chart a new political path independent of “outsiders’ control.”

“This election is our moment of truth. Let Malava be the beginning of our liberation,” he told the crowd at Furabe in Kabras East as he wrapped up his campaign.

The Malava parliamentary by-election is scheduled for November 27, and the contest has drawn significant national attention, with both the ruling UDA and DAP-K treating it as a political litmus test for influence in Western Kenya.