Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya/FILEHeadline: Natembeya: I’ll leave office if Ruto wins 2027
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has called on leaders seeking the presidency in the 2027 General Election to unite behind a single candidate, saying a divided opposition could strengthen President William Ruto’s chances of securing a second term.
Natembeya made the remarks on Sunday during the launch of The Equitable Party (TEP), where he urged political leaders to focus on building a united team rather than competing against one another for the presidency.
He said voters had already expressed their preferences and questioned the need for leaders to hold further negotiations over who should lead the opposition.
"For the first time, Kenyans themselves have given us a candidate. We are going to the boardroom to do what?" Natembeya said.
He also urged leaders not to approach the presidency as an entitlement, saying the next administration should be organised around a team with a designated leader.
"Let our leaders not be entitled. Sasa tunataka captain. What is being built is a team. All these people will be in the team and the captain is not necessarily the best player," he said.
Natembeya said the person selected to lead the team should be capable of bringing other leaders together around a common objective.
"The captain is the one who is supposed to inspire you and the others to play football," he said.
The governor also cautioned presidential aspirants against running separate campaigns if doing so could split the opposition vote and improve Ruto’s prospects in the 2027 election.
"I am calling upon the other leaders, leaders who aspire to become President. If you all fight to become presidents, you will all lose, and Ruto will get an opportunity to serve a second term as President of Kenya," he said.
Natembeya then questioned what another term for Ruto would mean, citing his concerns about the regime's current approach to governance.
Natembeya encouraged voters to consider the long-term implications of the 2027 election, saying their choices would affect not only the current generation but also future generations.
"At this time when we vote, let us remember that we are voting for our children, our grandchildren and the generations that are coming," he said.
