“Opposition Must Unite for 2027 Victory,” Natembeya Declares in Fiery Address
News Updated: 11 May 2026 14:17 EAT
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya speaking during the Bumula rally in Bungoma County
A section of Western Kenya leaders converged in Bumula Sub-County, Bungoma County, for the Khasoko Ward Empowerment Initiative, in a coordinated push highlighting grassroots development, inclusive leadership, and regional political unity ahead of the 2027 political cycle.
The engagement brought together Bumula MP Hon. Jack Wamboka, Vihiga Senator Hon. Godfrey Osotsi, Bungoma gubernatorial aspirant Zachariah Barasa, Saboti MP Hon. Caleb Amisi, Sikhendu MCA Hon. Andrew Kutitila, alongside other leaders, in what was framed as a shared commitment to strengthening community-driven development.
Governor George Natembeya, whose broader political messaging has centred on unity and regional mobilisation, said the initiative reflected a deeper need for leaders to remain closely connected to the people and to ensure development is anchored at the grassroots level.
In remarks aligned with his recent public addresses, Natembeya has consistently called for Western Kenya unity, arguing that the region must organise itself politically to safeguard its interests and strengthen its influence in national decision-making.
He has repeatedly stressed that the Mulembe community must rise to reclaim its political dignity, noting that fragmentation has historically weakened the region’s bargaining power within national politics.
“Mmesikiliza viongozi wetu wakati wa mabadiliko katika taifa la Kenya… jamii ya Mbaluhya ujue kwamba taifa la Kenya lote linakuangalia wewe,” he has said in previous addresses, framing unity as a national political imperative.
At the Bumula engagement, leaders echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that empowerment initiatives are central to improving livelihoods and building sustainable development structures at ward level.
Natembeya has also argued that Western Kenya must move beyond political divisions and focus on coordinated leadership, warning that disunity has often undermined opposition strength during critical national moments.
“Jamii yetu imekuwa ikitumika kwa kazi ngumu… lakini sasa ni lazima turejeshe hadhi na heshima ya Mluhya,” he has said, calling for renewed political consciousness within the region.
He has further drawn historical comparisons, noting that fragmented opposition politics in the past enabled long-serving regimes to consolidate power, urging current leaders to avoid repeating similar mistakes.
“Tuliona Moi akitawala kwa sababu viongozi wa upinzani walikuwa wamegawanyika,” he has stated, underscoring the importance of unity in national contests.
Natembeya has also positioned Western Kenya’s economic challenges as central to his political messaging, citing the collapse of key industries such as Nzoia Sugar, Mumias Sugar, and Pan Paper as evidence of long-standing structural neglect.
He argues that revitalising such industries is critical to addressing poverty and unemployment in the region, particularly among young people.
At the same time, leaders present in Bumula emphasised that empowerment programmes like the Khasoko Ward initiative are intended to strengthen local economies through community-driven support systems and small-scale development projects.
MP Jack Wamboka and Senator Godfrey Osotsi reiterated the need for collaborative leadership, noting that cross-county cooperation is essential for addressing shared socio-economic challenges in Western Kenya.
Bungoma gubernatorial aspirant Zachariah Barasa called for sustained grassroots mobilisation, saying future leadership must prioritise service delivery and inclusive development frameworks.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and Sikhendu MCA Andrew Kutitila also urged unity among leaders, warning against divisive politics that could derail development efforts in the region.
Natembeya has consistently tied such engagements to his broader political message that 2027 should mark a turning point in how Western Kenya positions itself within national politics.
“Siku hiyo enda upige kura ya akili,” he has told supporters, urging voters to prioritise informed decision-making and regional interests in future elections.
The Bumula engagement is widely viewed as part of a growing wave of Western Kenya political realignment efforts, where leaders are increasingly emphasising unity, empowerment, and coordinated development strategies ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Tags: Boris Johnson Resigns Signs Signs Media Signs Media Kenya Limited Signs Tv Signsmedia Signstv SignsTV Signstvkenya Signsv Bungoma County Edit Editor's Pick Editors choice George Natembeya Mombasa Politics News Article Odm ODM ODM-UDA Pact Odm Zoning One Term One term Political Parties Political Party Political Partys Political Science Political tensions Politics United Opposition
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD