Western Kenya Draws a New Political Map as Natembeya Unveils Party Plan, Endorses Sifuna for State House

The announcement came after a marathon strategy meeting lasting nearly 10 hours at the residence of George Natembeya in Kitale, where a section of Luhya leaders resolved to chart what they described as a new political direction for the region. 

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Natembeya said the movement had agreed to establish a new political party that will carry the Linda Mwananchi agenda into the 2027 elections. He described the move as part of a broader strategy to unite Western Kenya politically while building a national movement capable of competing for power.

"White smoke is beginning to billow from Western Kenya," Natembeya declared, borrowing a phrase often associated with the election of a new pope to signal what he termed the birth of a new political chapter for the region.

The governor announced that the roadmap will begin with a major Linda Mwananchi rally in Trans Nzoia County on July 25 before culminating in what leaders billed as the "mother of all rallies" in Bungoma County on July 26.

According to Natembeya, the Bungoma gathering will not only unveil the movement's political direction but will also formally crown Edwin Sifuna as the political leader of the Luhya community before "releasing" him to concentrate on building a nationwide presidential campaign.

The declaration marks one of the strongest endorsements Sifuna has received from regional leaders since discussions about his possible presidential ambitions began gathering momentum in recent months. While Sifuna has previously maintained that opposition unity remains his immediate priority, his allies have increasingly pushed for him to seek the country's top seat. 

Natembeya further revealed that he has been tasked with coordinating the movement's political activities across all 38 constituencies in Western Kenya, a role that will see him spearhead grassroots mobilization aimed at consolidating support for both the new political outfit and Sifuna's national bid.

The meeting was attended by several influential leaders from the region, including Godfrey Osotsi, Jack Wamboka, Majimbo Kalasinga and other elected leaders from across Western Kenya.

In another major resolution, the leaders unanimously endorsed Sifuna as their preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election, signalling an intention to rally the Luhya vote behind a single candidate while expanding support beyond the region.

The latest declaration builds on a series of political activities that have been gathering pace under the Linda Mwananchi banner. In recent weeks, Sifuna announced plans for a major Bungoma meeting where the movement would unveil its roadmap towards 2027, insisting the opposition was preparing a structured national campaign rather than isolated political rallies. 

Supporters of the Nairobi senator have also intensified grassroots mobilization across Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga and Trans Nzoia counties, arguing that Western Kenya should unite behind one candidate to strengthen the region's bargaining power in national politics. 

The political cooperation between Natembeya and Sifuna has attracted growing attention in recent months. Although they come from different political backgrounds, the two leaders have increasingly appeared together at public events and strategy meetings, fuelling speculation of a broader opposition alliance taking shape ahead of 2027. 

The planned launch of a new political party is expected to add another dimension to Kenya's evolving political landscape, where leaders are already positioning themselves for what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested presidential race.