Natembeya Hosts Opposition Heavyweights, Declares Western Votes Must Count
Politics Updated: 13 June 2026 19:48 EAT
Photo courtesy: Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya speaking during the Western Region mega rally at Shianda grounds in Kakamega County
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya on Saturday joined leaders aligned to the United Opposition in a high-profile political rally in Kakamega County where the coalition intensified calls for regional unity and a coordinated electoral strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Leo tumekuja na wageni. Wamekuja mkoa wa Magharibi, wamekuja kusikia kwamba ile maneno huwa nasema kwamba sisi ni watu wa mkweli.”
Addressing supporters, Natembeya presented the gathering as a demonstration of Western Kenya’s political relevance, telling the crowd that senior opposition figures had travelled to the region to listen to local concerns and witness what he described as growing public support. He linked the turnout to wider national political attention on the region.
“Maana leo hii hata Rais Ruto ako Kakamega. Wakati walisikia tuko pande hii… wakamkimbiza mbio mbio wakamleta Kakamega.”
The meeting brought together opposition leaders including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa and former Attorney General Justin Muturi. Natembeya portrayed their presence as evidence of an emerging national alliance seeking to challenge the current administration.
“Na leo tumekuwa na Marais Wenza, Naibu wa Rais Rigathi Gachagua na the 10th Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka… pia JB Muturi.”
At the centre of Natembeya’s address was a call for Western Kenya to vote as a unified bloc. Referring to previous voting patterns, he argued that the region had historically voted collectively while adding that future political support must be tied to clear benefits for the region.
“Kura tumekuwa tunapiga kura kama jamii moja… Kama kuna wakati ambao unahitaji sisi tena kupiga kura pamoja ni sasa.”
Natembeya said Western Kenya should not enter the next election without an organised political structure and declared that regional leaders would seek guarantees before supporting any presidential candidate. He told supporters that the region would first negotiate and agree collectively before backing any national ticket.
“Sisi hatutakuwa wajinga kwenda kwa uchaguzi wa 2027 bila nyumba yetu… mwenye anaenda kupeperusha bendera ya urais tutakaa chini tuongee na tuelewane.”
He further argued that opposition forces should unite behind one presidential contender instead of fielding multiple candidates. According to him, a divided opposition would weaken chances of mounting a competitive challenge against President William Ruto in the next election.
“Candidate wetu atakuwa mmoja aonane na Ruto ana kwa ana.”
The governor also criticised what he described as attempts to divide the Luhya vote through separate political alignments. He rejected narratives portraying Western Kenya as fragmented and repeatedly urged residents to preserve regional solidarity, saying unity remained the region’s strongest political asset.
“Nyinyi mtakubali kugawanyika? Watu wetu, umoja wetu ndio nguvu yetu.”
During the rally, Natembeya accused elected leaders from the region of abandoning public expectations and called for political accountability. He told supporters that elected representatives who had shifted allegiance should prepare to face voters again at the ballot.
“Sisi tuko na jukumu la kusafisha hawa jamaa waende nyumbani… nyinyi Waluhya mtakuwa kwa meza.”
On economic issues, Natembeya criticised government policy, arguing that rising taxation and the cost of living had placed pressure on ordinary Kenyans. He said opposition leaders were positioning themselves as an alternative movement focused on governance and economic recovery.
“Wameweka ushuru imeenda juu badala ya kupunguza gharama, wanaongeza gharama alafu wanasema hakuna pesa.”
He also addressed government development programmes and empowerment initiatives, urging citizens not to reject public resources while maintaining independence in political decision-making. His remarks drew strong reactions from supporters attending the rally.
“Hiyo pesa wakileta, mkule pesa… lakini wakati wa kura jua mahali pa kuweka kura.”
Natembeya cited what he described as survey trends showing declining confidence in the current administration across several regions of the country. He argued that dissatisfaction was becoming a national issue rather than one confined to a single region.
“Kenya hii utafiti umeonyesha 75% ya Wakenya wamesema hawana imani na serikali… Western Kenya tayari wameamua.”
The governor used the rally to publicly endorse continued cooperation among opposition figures from different parts of Kenya, drawing comparisons with previous political alliances that successfully formed government coalitions. He introduced leaders from Mt Kenya, Ukambani, Western and other regions as partners in a broader opposition arrangement.
“Mnakubali tushikane na Kalonzo… Mnakubali tufanye kazi na yeye?”
Closing his address, Natembeya declared that Western Kenya intended to play a central role in shaping the next administration and urged supporters to remain united. He framed the United Alternative Government coalition as a vehicle through which the region could secure stronger bargaining power and greater influence in national politics.
“Kakamega Western, nyumba ya Mlembe… tumeamua… Harambee, One!”
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FELIX MAKONA
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