𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐋𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐚 𝐏𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐮𝐭𝐨 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕.

By Augustine Were 

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka on Friday hosted Members of the Trans Nzoia County Assembly (MCAs) for a high-level consultative meeting aimed at rallying Governor George Natembeya to join the Western region’s pro-President William Ruto political formation, as leaders seek to boost the region’s bargaining power for development.

Speaking to the press after the meeting at his Kamukuywa residence, Lusaka,who also serves as the Western Region Presidential Re-Election Coordinator,said the time had come for leaders from the region to close ranks and present a united front in support of President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.

“My mission is to bring together all leaders from Western Kenya, including my colleague Governor George Natembeya, so that we can speak with one voice and effectively negotiate for development for our people,” Lusaka said.

He argued that years of political fragmentation had slowed development in the region, insisting that unity and cooperation with the national government would unlock long-overdue projects and equitable resource allocation.

“The Western region has paid a heavy price for divisive politics. We must rise above partisan differences, support the government of the day and ensure our counties get their fair share of development,” he added.

Lusaka urged the Trans Nzoia MCAs to use their grassroots influence to engage Governor Natembeya and bring him on board, noting that a united leadership would strengthen ongoing engagements with the President on development priorities for Trans Nzoia and the wider Western bloc.

Kapomboi Ward MCA and Trans Nzoia Deputy Majority Leader Kepha Were, who led the delegation, welcomed Lusaka’s appointment as the regional re-election coordinator, describing him as a unifying figure.

“We thank President Ruto for entrusting Governor Lusaka with this role. He is a leader who can bring the region together. We also urge the coordination team to work closely with Governor Natembeya so that our collective bargaining power translates into inclusive development for Western Kenya,” Were said.

His remarks were echoed by other MCAs present, who underscored the need for regional unity as the cornerstone of economic growth and service delivery.

Also present at the meeting were Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, who deputises Lusaka in the coordination team, and Vihiga County Woman Representative Dr Beatrice Adagala, the Vihiga County coordinator. Both leaders rallied Governor Natembeya to join the team as it steps up grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The meeting signals an intensifying political realignment in Western Kenya as leaders position the region within the national power matrix, with development emerging as the central rallying call.