Will Natembeya win where others failed to unite the Luhya nation?

The political landscape of Western Kenya has long been elusive.

Now, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya is emerging as a bold and outspoken leader, challenging the region’s entrenched political order.

He is making an ambitious attempt to unite the Luhya community under a single banner, a goal that has eluded many before him.

Since the days of veteran politician Masinde Muliro and former Vice President Michael Wamalwa, the Western region has struggled to gain stable political footing at the national level, particularly in the quest for the presidency.  Some political analysts believe that the rise of Natembeya could position him as the region’s next kingpin.

His calls for the Luhya community to speak with one voice have unsettled the political establishment, especially Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, long seen as the region’s de facto leaders.

He is unapologetically challenging their legitimacy, openly questioning their ability and commitment to unite the region into a cohesive political force. “Though rich in votes, Western Kenya has remained politically fragmented. With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, Natembeya is making a bold attempt to rewrite that narrative.

Natembeya’s journey is far from that of a typical politician. He rose through the ranks of public service — from District Officer to Rift Valley Regional Commissioner — overseeing major security operations and development programmes.

His 2022 resignation to vie for governor marked a pivotal shift from technocrat to political contender. Since taking office under the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), Natembeya has avoided political caution.

His “Tawe” movement — a Luhya word for ‘no’ or ‘rejection’ — has evolved into a political brand, symbolising resistance to corruption, poor leadership, and complacency.”

More importantly, Natembeya’s movement has become a rallying cry for a united Luhya voice in Kenya’s national politics.
“We have leaders who fall silent when offered positions. But silence has cost us. We must now demand our rightful place at the national table,” he told a crowd in Kakamega. His combative style has earned him admiration among youth and grassroots supporters, but also attracted criticism and legal challenges.

Despite being Kenya’s second-largest ethnic bloc, the Luhya community has long struggled to unite behind a viable presidential contender. Internal divisions, clashing ambitions and external alliances have long fractured the Luhya vote.As 2027 approaches, a new wave of leaders—including Okiya Omtatah, Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K party leader), and Mumias East MP Peter Salasya—are reportedly eyeing the presidency or other high offices. Each holds a distinct base, but none has united the region.

“We must be united as a community if we want to be taken seriously in the national arena. If not, we will continue being used and discarded,” said Natembeya.

Meanwhile, Mudavadi and Wetang’ula, key figures in the Kenya Kwanza administration, seem to be positioning themselves for a 2032 presidential bid. Wetang’ula insists his current role gives him a strong platform, while Mudavadi has expressed similar ambitions.

Both stress loyalty to President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government and see themselves as vital to securing Western Kenya’s interests in the national agenda. Still, the crowded field suggests Luhya unity remains elusive, despite the efforts of Natembeya and others. Natembeya warns that this scattered approach will only deepen divisions.

“Everyone wants to be president. That’s fine. But if we all run different ways, we weaken our voice and waste our numbers,” he told supporters in Bungoma.

While Natembeya’s call for unity is gaining ground, it has also revealed deep rifts in Western Kenya’s leadership.

Vihiga Woman Rep Beatrice Adagala, a close ally of Mudavadi, dismissed his rise as mere noise.
“Kingpins aren’t made overnight. Natembeya is just a passing cloud,” she said. However, others like Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah support the unity agenda but stress all leaders must join the effort.  Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has also urged regional unity, suggesting a Ruto-Raila broad coalition and an alliance between the Orange Democratic Movement and United Democratic Alliance as a way to consolidate Western votes.

“Politics is about alliances. If Raila and Ruto work together, Western will benefit, especially if we are united,” he said.
Contradictions persist, however, as leaders like Wetang’ula insist they are not in conflict but are working to build bridges.

Political analyst Moses Ombayo describes the task ahead as formidable but sees Natembeya as a potential catalyst for unity. “Natembeya has energy, clarity, and the courage to challenge power. But unity needs more than that, it requires diplomacy, inclusion and a shared vision,” he notes.

Ombayo adds that the region’s estimated 2.2 million votes can only make an impact if harnessed collectively, though he fears history may repeat itself.He says the road to Luhya unity is long and full of setbacks but not impossible. “With the right mix of courage, inclusivity and strategy, Natembeya’s rise could be the shake-up the region needs,” he said.