Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natemebya/HANDOUT
A new political alliance spearheaded by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has triggered fresh divisions in Western politics.
This has set the stage for an intense battle for the region's political supremacy ahead of the 2027 general election.
The emerging outfit is expected to challenge the dominance of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, who have been working to consolidate the region behind President William Ruto.
Beyond seeking to dislodge Musalia and Wetangula's dominance, the new alliance has also rocked the local opposition parties with leaders exchanging words over its emergence and potential impact.
Already, Natembeya, who was elected on the DAP-Kenya ticket and has been serving as deputy party leader, has announced his departure.
Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, Natembeya accused DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa of frustrating his efforts to transform the party into a national political movement.
"I requested Wamalwa to grant me the opportunity to expand DAP-K into a broader national movement. Unfortunately, he declined. Consequently, I have no other option but to quit," Natembeya said.
He said he and his allies will soon unveil a new political party that will unite Western Kenya while pursuing a national agenda.
"We shall come with a new party that will unite Western Kenya while embracing a national outlook," he added.
Natembeya's announcement comes even as Wamalwa remains a key figure in the united opposition coalition that seeks to unseat President William Ruto in the 2027 elections.
The governor's move is expected to reshape opposition politics in the region by bringing together leaders aligned to the Linda Mwananchi movement under Sifuna's leadership.
Interestingly, Sifuna who is being pushed to contest the presidency or become running mate, is expected to join the united opposition where Eugene is already a principle.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi said leaders allied to the movement had resolved to back Sifuna.
"The resolutions reached following a meeting at the home of Natembeya are that Luhya leaders allied to Linda Mwananchi will rally behind Sifuna ahead of the 2027 general election," Osotsi said.
The new alliance, however, has attracted criticism.
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya accused Sifuna of undermining DAP-K by luring some of its elected leaders.
Salasya claimed Sifuna was preaching Luhya unity while weakening an existing regional party.
"I want to tell you this. We want the unity of the Luhya people. The people are united but the leaders are not," Salasya said.
He questioned why Sifuna was now championing regional unity after serving as ODM secretary general.
"When you were ODM secretary general, you never spoke about Luhya unity. You signed the cooperation agreement between ODM and UDA but never negotiated key development issues for Western Kenya. Now you have left ODM and are trying to finish DAP-K by taking away Jack Wamboka and Natembeya," he said.
Salasya has recently strengthened ties with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, hosting him at his Mumias home before paying him a return visit at Wamunyoro in Nyeri county.
The MP is also considered close to Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, one of President Ruto's key allies.
Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula dismissed the emerging alliance as politically insignificant.
"In 2013, Mudavadi ran for president. What impact did he have? Zero. That is what will befall Sifuna," Savula said.
"We have 29 MPs, four governors and four deputy governors. Sifuna has one governor and two MPs. How will he win?"
Despite the criticism, Sifuna's influence within the opposition appears to be growing.
DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala has proposed that Sifuna be considered for the opposition's deputy presidential running mate in 2027, further raising his national political profile.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale said Sifuna's popularity could significantly alter the region's political landscape.
"Over the years, the country's politics has been along ethnic and regional lines. Sifuna finds himself in a very unique position. He enjoys both regional and ethnic support," Khalwale said.
"He also enjoys massive youth support across the country. Coupled with regional and ethnic support, he will be the person to beat."
