NATEMBEYA RALLIES WESTERN KENYA BEHIND SIFUNA’S 2027 PRESIDENTIAL BID

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has called on leaders and residents of Western Kenya to unite behind Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during a talk show hosted by a Nairobi-based vernacular radio station, Natembeya said the region should rally behind a new generation of leaders, arguing that Sifuna has emerged as a key political figure capable of carrying the aspirations of the Mulembe community at the national level.

The governor, who leads the TAWE Movement, said he was ready to make a personal political sacrifice to ensure Western Kenya’s voting strength is consolidated behind Sifuna.

Natembeya announced plans for major political rallies in Kitale and Bungoma on July 25 and 26, where he said elders are expected to formally endorse Sifuna as a political leader of the Luhya community before the senator begins wider national engagements.

He challenged prominent Western Kenya leaders, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, to support the emerging political movement or risk losing touch with the region’s changing political mood.

“Western Kenya must decide whether it wants to continue waiting for promises or build a new political future around leaders who can speak for the people,” Natembeya said.

The Trans Nzoia governor said he would spearhead voter registration campaigns across the 38 constituencies in Western Kenya as part of efforts to strengthen the region’s bargaining power ahead of 2027.

He said the region must retrace its political steps, rebuild unity and forge fresh alliances that would give Western Kenya a stronger voice in the next General Election.

Natembeya also criticised Mudavadi and Wetang’ula, accusing them of failing to offer decisive leadership for the region’s younger political generation. He claimed that the two leaders had continued to downplay Sifuna’s growing influence by questioning his age, political experience and financial capacity to mount a presidential campaign.

The governor further dismissed claims that Sifuna’s political movement was being sponsored by outside forces, saying the senator’s popularity was being driven by grassroots support, especially among young people.

Wetang’ula has previously maintained that younger leaders should focus on supporting the current administration and prepare for future opportunities, with 2032 being viewed by some leaders as a possible window for a Western Kenya presidential bid.

Political analyst Moses Wekesa said Natembeya’s strategy of mobilising voters and encouraging grassroots fundraising could reshape the political contest in the region.

Wekesa argued that the emerging alliance between Natembeya and Sifuna was likely to challenge the long-standing influence of Mudavadi and Wetang’ula in Western Kenya politics.

He said the planned voter registration drive and grassroots mobilisation would help create a new political network capable of competing with Kenya Kwanza’s structures in the region.

“The political ground in Western Kenya is shifting. There is a growing demand for fresh leadership, new ideas and leaders who are closely connected to the people,” Wekesa said.

However, allies of Mudavadi and Wetang’ula have dismissed claims that the two leaders are politically weakening, saying they remain influential figures in national politics and have already signalled plans to position Western Kenya for greater leadership roles in the future.

Nick Biketi, an ally of the two leaders, said Wetang’ula and Mudavadi were focused on supporting President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027 before pursuing further national political ambitions.

“You cannot wish them away easily. They have experience, networks and a strong political base across the country,” Biketi said.

The escalating debate signals an intensifying succession battle in Western Kenya, where a new crop of leaders led by Natembeya, Sifuna, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala, Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga and Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka are seeking to reshape the region’s political direction.

As the 2027 campaigns draw closer, Western Kenya appears set for a fierce contest between established political heavyweights and a rising generation pushing for a new political order.