Take Luyhas seriously, Natembeya says as he promises political revolution

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has vowed to intensify the push for his Tawe political movement across the wider Western Kenya region.

Natembeya is riding on recent rankings that placed him as the most influential political Luhya leader.

Before the rankings last week, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi—previously seen as the regional kingpin—had said he would end Natembeya’s political career in 2027.

But an unbowed Natembeya said he is determined to change the political tide in Western Kenya.

“This time we will not fear anyone,” Natembeya said while addressing a leaders’ meeting in Trans Nzoia.

“Our people have to be taken seriously politically, unlike what has been the case where a few leaders have been taking advantage of the community for selfish gains.”

The governor vowed to fight for what he described as the liberation of the Luhya community from excruciating poverty, which he blamed on years of poor leadership.

“As a community we have been wasted politically because of the kind of leaders who claim to be representing us but are there for selfish interests,” Natembeya said.

The Trans Nzoia boss said he would work with like-minded leaders across the region to build a leadership structure that places the welfare of the community first.

The governor said he would not serve any “political masters”, including senior Luhya leaders Mudavadi and Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula.

He claimed the two entered into selfish political agreements that secured them government positions, while the majority of the Luhya community continued to live in “embarrassing and shameful poverty”.

“You sign an agreement with the President to give us the position of Speaker, then you demand that it goes to yourself, yet once you get it, you move and forget all other people. That position is just benefiting you and your family,” he said.

Politics in Western Kenya would not be the same again come 2027, Natembeya added, saying residents had realised they had been politically used and dumped for many years.

“Many of us live in old mud houses which are infested with jiggers and other insects that are clear manifestations of abject poverty. We are now at the stage where liberation from such poverty is in our hands. Next time we go to vote we have to vote for ourselves and not help two people to enrich themselves while riding on our backs,” the governor said.

“This time in 2027 the Luhya nation will plan itself. As a leader I have to understand my own people and work with them to improve on the situation we have.”

He also questioned why Mudavadi folded his party to join UDA without consulting his supporters, contrasting it with former opposition chief, the late Raila Odinga.

According to Natembeya, Raila led ODM to sign a deal with President William Ruto that outlined clear benefits for his political bases.