Natembeya And Leaders Use Wangamati Burial To Push 2027 Political Mobilization In Western Kenya
Politics Updated: 31 May 2026 11:01 EAT
Governor Natembeya, Sifuna, Eugene Wamalwa and other Luhya leaders at the burial of former governor Wycliffe Wangamati's father, Patrick Wangamati, in Kabuchai, Bungoma County.
Patrick Wangamati’s burial in Bungoma County became a politically charged ceremony after leaders used the occasion to reflect on regional unity, governance challenges, and shifting political alliances in Western Kenya. The event drew mourners and senior political figures who turned the funeral into a platform for broader commentary on governance and development concerns affecting Bungoma.
During the ceremony, Natembeya paid tribute to the late Wangamati, describing him as a courageous and peace-driven leader whose legacy left a strong impression on those who interacted with him. The remarks also shifted into criticism of what was termed toxic political competition in Bungoma, with claims that internal rivalries had weakened development and public trust in leadership structures.
“ambaye alikuwa ni mzee wa amani alikuwa mzee very brave na sisi tumejifunza mambo mengi sana kutoka kwa huyu mzee
mambo ya Mheshimiwa Wangamati amekufa kwa sababu ya siasa mbaya na hii Bungoma yetu inaongoza kwa siasa mbaya. Nyinyi mmeona saa hii muleembe viongozi wanataka kuongea na wengine wanaenda kupeana pesa huko nyuma. Hii ndio siasa ambayo Bungoma hatutaki, sindio?
Hawa ndio wanatudanganya sisi wakati wa kura wanatupeleka wale watu wengine wanakuja kutumaliza. Kwa sasa Bungoma maendeleo yote imekwisha. Industry zote zimekufa. Nzoia ilikufa. Kitinda ilikufa. Pan Paper ilikufa. Na sisi tunasema serikali zile zinafuatana zimekuwa na njama ya kumaliza watu wa Bungoma.”
The speech further escalated into accusations that successive administrations had contributed to the collapse of key industries in the region, including Nzoia Sugar, Pan Paper, and other manufacturing facilities once central to the local economy. The speaker argued that these failures had deepened public frustration and widened political divisions, calling for accountability from leaders associated with past and present governments.
“Ndugu zetu ambao mko kwa serikali kwa sasa, listen to me. Ile aibu ambayo mmetuletea ni mbaya sana. Huyu mzee amekufa kwa sababu yenu.
Watoto wa Wangamati watano walipelekwa kotini akiwemo yule ambaye pia alikuwa mzee akapelekwa kotini. Vile tunaongea saa hizi kuna mwingine hata pasipoti yake ilichukuliwa hawezi akafanya biashara. Ile wivu ambayo sisi tuko nayo lazima tuache hiyo wivu.”
The address also drew comparisons with past administrations, referencing how political disputes involving retired leaders were previously handled, contrasting them with current tensions. The remarks suggested that political intolerance and rivalry were contributing to instability and hardship among families connected to regional leadership.
“Wakati mzee Moi alistaafu, wale wa Kibaki walisema kwamba mahali Moi alikuwa anakaa pale Kabarnet Gardens wanasema ilikuwa ni shamba ya umma. Wakati walienda kwa mzee Kibaki wakasema tulirudisha shamba letu. Mzee Kibaki aliambia kwa kraitu enda ukatafute title deed umpe. Lakini hao wetu wakati wanaona mzee wetu mkongwe ambaye ni role model wetu anahangaishwa.”
The speech intensified further with sharp criticism of perceived political cowardice among allies within government, accusing them of failing to defend regional leaders. The remarks framed internal unity as essential for political survival and influence, while warning against fragmentation ahead of future elections.
“They have got no balls ya kusimama na kuambia Ruto kwamba kama huyu ni wetu tutakufa na yeye. Hao ndio wa kwanza kwenda kuangusha nyumba ya mzee. Mzee akalia siku tatu akikaa kwa kiti pale and from that time mpaka saa akakufa.
Watu wetu tukue tuanze kuwa macho. Mimi juzi nilikuwa hapa nikasema kwamba tutakuwa na silaba sindio, kwamba tunaleta silabas ama hatuletia. Yule mtu ambaye hatembei na sisi, yule mtu ambaye ameungana na Ruto kunyanyasa watu wetu hatutamkubali.”
The address concluded with a strong call for regional political consolidation ahead of the 2027 elections, emphasizing the need for unity among leaders from Western Kenya. The speaker argued that coordinated political organization was necessary to secure influence at national negotiations and ensure representation in government structures.
“Hiyo ndio line ambayo inaenda kukomboa watu wetu wakati jamii zingine zinaenda pamoja wanajikusanyika wanakuwa na unity. Hiyo lakini wakati Mluya anasema walitakuja pamoja wanasema hao ni wakabila wakenya wale. Viongozi wako mbele wanatuogopa sisi maana wanajua umoja wa Mluya utakuja kubadilisha taifa la Kenya forever wetu. This time round tumesema kwamba hatungojei mpaka 2032, tunasema 2027 ndio mwaka wetu.”
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FELIX MAKONA
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