The Kenya Kwanza Administration is laying down plans to contain Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya ahead of the 2027 general election.
He has also emerged as the force leading the anti-government push in the region through the by-election in Malava.
However, Mudavadi — the third senior most in the Executive — has now warned that they will move to contain Natembeya in Trans Nzoia and even dislodge him from the seat.
“That one [Natembeya] will not go far. Let’s face it, you have been elected for your first term and think you can be all over? President Moi once said there are situations where you have to manage your ambitions,” he said.
“Even Shakespeare said it. You can be ambitious if you want to jump onto the horse. You can also be ridiculous that you have this vaulting ambition that you miss getting onto the saddle of the horse and fly over it only to land on the other side.”
“Do you think UDA won’t field enough candidates in 2027? We will field candidates in Trans Nzoia and do you think this person will have time to roam all over? We will ground him in his own county. And mark my words, you will see it,” Mudavadi told journalists from the region on Saturday during an interview.
The PCS, who has also camped in Malava to deliver the parliamentary seat, also sustained the remarks in his political rallies, saying they are going after Natembeya.
“I want to tell George Natembeya, don't act too clever, we have been in politics longer, we are only quiet, but don't think we cannot do politics, we will take you home in 2027. We have young men and women ready to take over from you,” Mudavadi said.
He said it is naïve for Natembeya to think that within the short time he has been in politics he can be more popular than him and Wetang’ula.
At the same time, former Health CS Susan Nakhumicha and ex-Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa — allies of Wetang'ula — have announced their bid to unseat Natembeya.
Nakhumicha, who is currently serving as ambassador to UN-Habitat, announced on Saturday that she will not be seeking the Woman Representative seat but would now challenge Natembeya.
“I want to thank you [the clan] for the new directive you have given me, that from today I will walk knowing that I don’t just belong to Sitatunga ward or Cherangany constituency but a leader of the whole Trans Nzoia. Today, they have removed me from the woman representative bid and advised me to seek the governor’s seat,” Nakhumicha, a close ally of Wetang’ula, said.
Separately, Wamalwa — who lost the race in 2022 on the Ford Kenya ticket — also announced his bid after meeting representatives from the Luhya community.
The former Kiminini MP said his meeting with the elders was to consult and seek their support as he starts campaigning for the seat.
"Today was a day for discussions and journey to become the governor of Trans Nzoia county has started today. I'm going to work with everyone; we know Trans Nzoia is cosmopolitan and we are going to be inclusive," he said at his Kananachi residence.
The elders endorsed Wamalwa’s 2027 governor’s bid, saying the former lawmaker has matured politically and possesses the requisite leadership qualities needed to spur economic growth and promote unity in the county.
“We have given our blessings to Chris Wamalwa as he criss-crosses the county seeking support from other communities since Trans Nzoia is cosmopolitan,” Bukusu Council of Elders chairman Christopher Makokha said.
Governance analyst Martin Andati, however, termed Mudavadi’s remarks as hollow threats as he doesn’t have the clout to influence outside Vihiga.
Additionally, Andati opined that Wamalwa and Nakhumicha are no match to Natembeya going by 2022 election outcome.
“If Natembeya is going to defend his seat as he might also be angling for national politics, he will white wash them. He beat Wamalwa badly in the 2022 election. Nakhumicha as lost her Woman Rep bid. Both are very weak and are no match to Natembeya,” Andati said.
He added that given that Mudavadi didn’t deliver his MCA, MP, Senator and even governor in his own county of Vihiga, it wouldn’t then be possible that he will influence the politics of Trans Nzoia.
In 2022, Natembeya garnered 158, 919 votes against Wamalwa’s 79,020 votes. Nakhumicha, who vied on Ford Kenya, finished a distant third with 32, 499 votes against the winner Lilian Chebet of UDA, who garnered 102, 488 votes.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!