TRANS NZOIA 2027 SHOWDOWN: KHATUNDI BREAKS SILENCE ON NATEMBEYA ‘BETRAYAL’ CLAIMS AS WOMAN REP RACE EXPLODES

The race for the Trans Nzoia Woman Representative seat in the 2027 General Election has taken a dramatic turn after Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Phanice Naliaka Khatundi, strongly dismissed allegations that she has abandoned Governor George Natembeya, describing the claims as malicious propaganda designed to derail her growing political influence.

Khatundi, who unsuccessfully contested the Woman Representative seat in 2022 and emerged second behind incumbent Lilian Siyoi Walubengo, has publicly declared her intention to challenge for the seat again in 2027, setting the stage for what analysts predict could become one of the most fiercely contested political battles in the county.

The controversy erupted following a wave of social media posts and online discussions alleging that Khatundi had distanced herself from Governor Natembeya, with whom she campaigned under the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) during the 2022 General Election.

However, speaking amid the escalating online warfare, Khatundi rubbished the allegations and insisted that her commitment to Governor Natembeya's administration remains unwavering.

She said her focus remains firmly on delivering results for residents through her Agriculture docket and helping fulfill the governor's campaign promise of transforming Trans Nzoia into a food-secure and economically vibrant county.

"Those peddling falsehoods should know that leadership is about service and not endless political fights. My priority is to ensure that farmers receive the support they need and that the governor's vision for Trans Nzoia becomes a reality. The people elected us to work, and that is exactly what we are doing," Khatundi said.

The Agriculture CECM noted that while political competition is healthy in a democracy, residents should reject attempts by individuals seeking to create divisions through misinformation and character assassination.

She urged residents to remain united and focus on issues that directly affect their livelihoods, including agriculture, employment opportunities, food production, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.

According to Khatundi, the county's political future should be shaped by ideas and development agendas rather than online propaganda and personal attacks.

She further emphasized that every Kenyan has a constitutional right to support any political leader or movement of their choice and that no one should be intimidated for expressing political opinions ahead of the 2027 elections.

"As we move towards 2027, let us embrace tolerance and respect for differing opinions. Democracy thrives when people are free to choose leaders without fear, intimidation, or manipulation," she stated.

The remarks come at a time when political temperatures in Trans Nzoia are steadily rising, with various leaders positioning themselves for the next electoral cycle.

Khatundi's response attracted support from a section of women leaders and residents drawn from different parts of the county, who argued that the Woman Representative seat should remain open to all qualified candidates.

Residents who spoke during the debate maintained that leadership positions are determined by voters and not by political entitlement.

Gladys Egesa, a resident of Machewa Ward in Saboti Sub-County, said residents should resist leaders who attempt to divide communities along tribal lines for political gain.

"Trans Nzoia is a cosmopolitan county that has always thrived because of unity among its people. We must reject politics that seek to divide us. Leadership positions belong to the people, and voters will decide who deserves to represent them in Parliament," she said.

Egesa argued that Khatundi had demonstrated commitment to public service through her work in the county government and deserved the opportunity to present her agenda to voters.

She further dismissed claims that the county's political direction would be determined by national political alignments, insisting that residents would evaluate candidates based on performance and leadership qualities.

"The people of Trans Nzoia will elect a leader who understands their challenges and has solutions. Elections are about the people and not about blind loyalty to political camps," she added.

Jane Nyongesa from Kiminini also rallied behind Khatundi, describing her as an energetic and visionary leader capable of bringing transformative leadership to the county.

Nyongesa noted that Khatundi's experience in both public administration and the private sector has equipped her with the skills necessary to effectively represent women, youth, and marginalized groups.

"Trans Nzoia is ripe for a new generation of leadership. We need leaders with fresh ideas, energy, and a development-focused mindset. Khatundi has shown that she possesses those qualities," she said.

The teacher praised Khatundi's understanding of agricultural issues, noting that the county's economy heavily depends on farming and that leaders with practical knowledge of the sector are needed to champion farmers' interests at the national level.

Meanwhile, Ronald Wasike, a resident of Cherang'any, cautioned politicians and their supporters against the growing misuse of social media to spread hatred and misinformation.

He warned that online bullying and coordinated political attacks could undermine democratic discourse and distract leaders from addressing pressing issues affecting residents.

"Social media should be used to inform and educate people, not to spread hatred and propaganda. Leadership should be about ideas and solutions. Every citizen has a democratic right to seek public office," he said.

Wasike maintained that voters are increasingly becoming issue-oriented and would not be swayed by negative campaigns.

He observed that residents are more interested in leaders who can articulate clear plans for economic empowerment, job creation, healthcare improvement, and agricultural transformation.

Political observers say the latest exchanges signal the beginning of what could become a high-stakes contest for the Woman Representative seat, with several aspirants expected to join the race in the coming months.

The growing rivalry between Khatundi and Siyoi is already generating intense debate across the county, with supporters from both camps actively defending their preferred candidates on social media platforms and in public forums.

Siyoi, who won the seat in 2022, succeeded Janet Nangabo and is expected to seek re-election. However, she is likely to face a formidable challenge from Khatundi, whose political profile has grown significantly since joining Governor Natembeya's administration.

Analysts believe that Khatundi's visibility in the county government, particularly through agricultural initiatives aimed at boosting food production and farmer incomes, could strengthen her appeal among voters seeking alternative leadership.

With more than a year before the official campaign season begins, the battle lines are already being drawn, setting the stage for a bruising political contest that could redefine the future of women leadership in Trans Nzoia County.

As political activities intensify, residents are expected to closely scrutinize the candidates' development records, leadership credentials, and vision for the county, making the 2027 Woman Representative race one of the most closely watched contests in the region.

For now, Khatundi remains adamant that her focus is service delivery rather than political distractions, but her strong response to the allegations suggests that the race for the Trans Nzoia Woman Representative seat has officially begun.