Natembeya Delivers Blistering 'Tawe Sermon' in Bungoma, Draws Massive Attendance

Bungoma town came to a standstill on Sunday afternoon when Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya delivered a scathing "Tawe Sermon" to jubilant thousands of residents at what was termed a thumping political and religious rally that took place in Speaker Moses Wetang'ula's backyard.

In a symbolic and bold move, Governor Natembeya spoke to a tension-laden audience in Bungoma town — affectionately referred to as the political bedroom of National Assembly Speaker Wetang'ula — where he mounted the podium to denounce corruption, poor governance, and political betrayal, with thunderous applause and chants of "Tawe!\" — Luhya for "No!".

Folks are tired of promises they don't see being kept, tired of being played every election year and then discarded," Natembeya thundered, and the crowd applauded. "This is not politics. It's a sermon to the heart of our nation — and our nation.".

The former Rift Valley Regional Commissioner has, in the recent past, made news for his unapologetic, no-holds-barred approach to political analysis, with the "Tawe Sermon" emerging as a buzz phrase, signature manner of rallying people against entrenched leadership and what he terms, again and again, as "recycled politics."

Most who were present described the speech as something greater than a political rally — dubbing it a civic and spiritual awakening.

"We want more! We are spiritually thirsty and Natembeya is satisfying our thirst with truth," one zealous youth in the crowd shouted. "Let him preach all over the whole Western region!"

The political undertones of the event could not be ignored. Bungoma is well-known to be a stronghold of Speaker Wetang'ula and Ford Kenya, but the record turnout and warm reception of Natembeya are pointers of shifting political winds ahead of the 2027 general election.

Natembeya has emerged as a leading figure in a new Western Kenya political awakening, particularly resonating with the youth and those disenchanted with the existing order.

May 26, 2025