Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya/FILETrans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has emerged as the most influential political leader in the Luhya community, according to a new opinion poll by Infotrak Research and Consulting.
The poll shows that 50 per cent of respondents identified Natembeya as the leader with the greatest influence on Abaluhya politics, placing him ahead of several long-established political figures from the region.
His strong showing reflects his growing profile nationally and his firm political base in the Western Kenya region.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who also serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, ranked second with 32 per cent.
Nairobi Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) secretary general Edwin Sifuna followed closely in third place at 31 per cent, underscoring his rising influence beyond his Bungoma roots.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula came fourth with 29 per cent. Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya ranked fifth at 14 per cent, followed by DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa at 13 per cent and former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala at 10 per cent.
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya garnered seven per cent, while Fred Gumo received five per cent. Bonny Khalwale (Kakamega Senator) and Ken Lusaka (Bungoma Governor) recorded four per cent and two per cent respectively.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Busia governor Paul Otuoma and Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa tied at one per cent each.
Other leaders accounted for two per cent, while 17 per cent of respondents declined to name any individual.
Natembeya posted his strongest performance in his home county of Trans Nzoia, where 70 per cent of respondents said he wields the most influence in Abaluhya politics.
Mudavadi recorded his highest approval in Vihiga County at 45 per cent. Sifuna received his strongest backing in Busia County, where 52 per cent named him the most influential leader, while Wetang’ula dominated in Bungoma County with 39 per cent approval.
The opinion poll was conducted on December 29, 2025.
Interviews were conducted through Computer Assisted Telephonic Interviews (CATI).
The relevant section of the public that was targeted in the poll (i.e. the universe) was persons who were voters, 18 years old and above at the time of the poll. The overall poll had a target survey sample size of 600 respondents.
The poll covered 5 counties (Vihiga, Busia, Kakamega, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia). To ensure the survey findings were representative of voters aged 18 and above in the ward, the sample was proportionately distributed across the 5 counties.
The margin of error was ±4.0% at 95 per cent degree of confidence.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!