Governor Natembeya claims Western Kenya lacks clear political leader

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has raised concern over what he described as a leadership vacuum in the Mulembe region, saying it remains the only part of the country without a clear political figure to unite and guide it.

Speaking during a roadside rally in Kanduyi on Friday, April 18, 2026, the Democratic Action Party deputy leader compared Western Kenya with other regions that he said have established kingpins.

He pointed to Ukambani, where Kalonzo Musyoka is widely seen as the region’s political anchor, the Rift Valley under President William Ruto, Nyanza where Oburu Odinga now leads, and the Mt Kenya region, which he said looks up to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

However, he argued that Western Kenya lacks a single voice capable of offering direction and rallying the community around a shared political agenda.

“Shida ya hapa western ni nini, ukienda Nyanza wako na mzee oburu, ukienda ukambani wako na Kalonzo ukienda rift valley wako na ruto lakini hapa western sijui shida yetu ni nini” Natembeya lamented

He urged residents of Kanduyi and the wider region to support his bid to take up that role, saying his past experience as Rift Valley Regional Commissioner gives him the grounding needed to lead the community. He maintained that he is ready to carry the region’s interests both locally and on the national stage.

Natembeya also declared his intention to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, expressing confidence that he has the capacity to unseat him.

His push for regional leadership has been building under the “Tawe” slogan, which has gained attention across Western Kenya as he positions himself as the community’s spokesman.

In 2025, he moved across different counties in the region seeking endorsement from local leaders and elders. His first stop was in Sabatia, the political base of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, where he received symbolic backing.

He later visited the Wanga Kingdom, where elders associated with the Nabongo lineage endorsed him and gave their blessings for him to represent the community nationally. His tour extended to the Teso community in Busia County, where he received similar support and recognition.

The endorsement drive was expected to end with a major regional event at Bukungu Stadium, where he would be formally unveiled in the presence of other United Opposition leaders, but the gathering did not take place.

Natembeya has consistently spoken out on what he describes as long-standing injustices and neglect faced by the Luhya community, insisting that the 2027 elections present a chance for the region to assert its political strength and rally behind one of its own.

Addressing concerns about Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and whether his growing influence could affect his ambitions, Natembeya dismissed the idea of rivalry. He said while they push for similar issues, their focus areas are different, with Sifuna operating more on the national front while he concentrates on regional mobilisation.

He further confirmed that he will defend his Trans Nzoia gubernatorial seat in 2027 even as he remains active in national politics, saying his goal is to ensure Western Kenya secures representation at both levels.