Natembeya's star shines in Western as DAP-K gives him a wide berth

Change is brewing in Western Kenya, a region known for its voting strength but often sidelined politically.

At the heart of this shifting terrain is Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, whose ascendant political profile is forcing a re-evaluation of the region’s leadership dynamics and its potential leverage in national politics.  

As Kenya hurtles towards the 2027 General Election, the interplay between Natembeya and the established titans of ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/article/2001520579/will-natembeya-win-where-others-failed-to-unite-the-luhya-nation?utm_cmp_rs=amp-next-page">Luhya politics< — Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula — promises to be a defining narrative, potentially reshaping the destiny of Western Kenya.

The Mulembe nation as its known finds itself at a rare inflection point.

With a trifecta of ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001520066/mp-amisi-alleges-a-plot-by-state-to-silence-western-leaders?utm_cmp_rs=amp-next-page">high-profile leaders< in Mudavadi, Wetang’ula, and Natembeya, the region seemingly possesses the ingredients for a serious political shake up.  

The question that hangs heavy in the air, however, is whether Western Kenya can translate this inherent diversity into strength, or it will allow internal differences to dilute its collective destiny.  

The region has, for long, been a significant voting bloc, yet its impact on national policy and resource allocation has often fallen short of its demographic potential.

The current political moment demands a closer look at the distinct leadership archetypes embodied in the three figures — Mudavadi, Wetang’ula and Natembeya.

Calm technocrat

Mudavadi, the Prime Cabinet Secretary, is widely regarded as the ever-calm technocrat.  

His public persona exudes economic discipline and institutional stability. His political style is predictable, measured, and tends to appeal to moderates and investors who value a steady hand in governance.  

Mudavadi’s strengths lie in his ability to articulate complex policy issues and his perceived impartiality, making him a reassuring figure in formal settings. However, his critics often point to a significant limitation: he frequently falls short in moments that require populist connection or reformist urgency.  

His politics is more boardroom than marketplace, struggling to ignite the passion of the masses or rally them behind a transformative agenda.

Wetang’ula, Speaker of the National Assembly, presents a contrasting leadership profile. He is the legal-savvy tactician, a skilled negotiator with deep knowledge of Kenya’s legislative machinery.   He understands coalition politics with a rare acuity, navigating the intricate web of alliances and compromises that define Kenyan political power-sharing.

 His political moves are calculated and pragmatic, and he can easily resonate with the common citizen in a way that fuels collective aspiration.

This is the main reason why President William Ruto, then campaigning in the run-up to the August 8, 2022, General Election, saw in Wetang’ula a capable ally with the ability to deliver the votes from the then predominantly ODM zone.

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001518755/brash-governor-natembeya-now-finds-power-in-political-restraint">Natembeya< is in many respects, a breath of fresh air to the mwananchi. 

His political rise has been meteoric, driven by an unapologetically confrontational style and a highly visible presence on the ground.   

He is a disruptor, unafraid to challenge the status quo and speak directly to the frustrations of ordinary Kenyans.

Natembeya’s accessibility and willingness to engage directly with the populace have endeared him to many who feel neglected by traditional political elites. 

National politics

Yet, his leadership comes with its own set of challenges. He grapples with limited national networks, a legacy of his relatively recent entry into mainstream national politics.  

Furthermore, his direct and often unvarnished communication style can come off as abrasive to the political class, potentially alienating potential allies and making it harder to build consensus.  

The three politicos — technocratic, strategic and activist — each possess inherent limitations, but crucially, they also hold complementary potential.

Western Kenya has frequently found itself underrepresented in national appointments, its bargaining power during coalition formations has been demonstrably weak, and there has been a glaring absence of a unifying vision for regional transformation.  

Youthful energy

While other regions, such as Central and Rift Valley, have seemingly mastered the art of strategic alignment — seamlessly blending youthful energy with elder wisdom, and grassroots presence with elite access — Western Kenya has struggled to emulate this success. 

Last week, Natembeya held several rallies across Western Kenya upon his return from the Ethics and Anti Corruption dragnet in Nairobi over charges of financial impropriety within Trans Nzoia County. 

His return spotted a conspicuous absence of key figures from the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K), including party leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi, and Bungoma gubernatorial aspirant Zacharia Barasa, alongside other party MPs.

Natembeya’s rallies began in Luanda and culminated in a final rally in Kitale, raising significant eyebrows.  

The DAP-K absence was particularly striking given that Wamalwa and his team had previously accompanied Natembeya in other high-profile events, including his arrest by EACC officers and demonstrations at the Nzoia Sugar Company aimed at opposing its controversial takeover.  

Their non-attendance at Natembeya’s ostensibly triumphant return to the region has fuelled speculation regarding the unity of purpose within the ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001517348/wamalwas-dap-k-raises-alarm-over-iebc-leaks-foreign-policy-silence">DAP-K party<.

“The question that comes to mind might be: is Natembeya’s continued rise now threatening the political survival of even those within his own DAP-K party?” posed Kakamega based political observer, Japheth Litunda.  

Litunda further postulates that if this indeed proves to be the case, then it might be the opportune time for Natembeya to begin exploring the idea of establishing his own political vehicle to align with his political aspirations. 

Creating fissures

The implications of this potential internal strife within DAP-K are significant, suggesting that Natembeya’s growing influence might be creating fissures even within his immediate political orbit. 

Several politicians have thrown their weight behind Natembeya’s political ideas, viewing his ascendancy as a necessary disruption in Western Kenya’s political scene.  

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, a close ally of Natembeya, is one such voice.  

“Natembeya is the true voice of the Luhya nation now,” Amisi asserted in a recent interview.

“He speaks truth to power, unlike others who have been compromised by positions. The community has been yearning for a leader who is fearless and ready to fight for their interests without fear or favour, and Natembeya embodies that spirit.’’

Political science lecturer at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Sarah Nekesa, believes Natembeya’s emergence signifies a generational shift.

“Natembeya represents a new brand of leadership that is not beholden to old political debts or ethnic kingpins,” Dr Nekesa said. 

“He is appealing to a younger demographic and those tired of the status quo. His focus on accountability and grassroots engagement is what Western Kenya desperately needs.

‘‘The traditional leadership model has failed to translate our demographic strength into tangible development.

‘‘Natembeya’s disruptive approach might be the catalyst for genuine change,” said Nekesa. 

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, a staunch ally of President William Ruto and a prominent figure in Western Kenya, is a vocal critic of Natembeya’s approach.  

“Natembeya’s politics is divisive and self-serving,” Barasa said during a recent public gathering.

“What he is doing is fragmenting our community even further, rather than uniting us.”

Barasa’s critique underscores concerns about Natembeya’s perceived confrontational style and its potential to isolate the community from the corridors of power.

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, another key figure in Western Kenya and a political veteran, holds similar sentiment, emphasizing the need for unity and a more nuanced approach. “While constructive criticism is welcome, constant antagonism does not build a community,” Governor Lusaka stated.

“The Luhya community thrives on unity and strategic partnerships. Governor Natembeya’s pronouncements often appear to undermine the very leaders who are currently in positions of influence and can deliver for our people. His approach risks alienating the government and isolating our region, ultimately harming the very people he claims to represent. True leadership requires diplomacy and understanding, not just chest-thumping.”

Lusaka’s remarks highlight the perceived risks of ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/rift-valley/article/2001519063/senator-chesang-natembeya-clash-over-county-decisions">Natembeya’s confrontational stance<, particularly in terms of its potential to strain relationships with the national government.

Moi University Political Science lecturer Robert Wekesa, expresses skepticism about the long-term viability of Natembeya’s current trajectory.

“While Natembeya’s activism is commendable in drawing attention to local issues, his strategy of outright confrontation with established regional and national leaders might be counterproductive in the long run,” Dr. Wekesa explained. 

“Sustainable political influence is built on alliances and strategic compromises, not perpetual conflict. Without a clear national political vehicle or a robust network beyond Western Kenya, his current approach risks limiting his impact to regional populism rather than translating into substantive national leverage for the Luhya community.” Dr. Wekesa suggests that while Natembeya’s style generates excitement, it might lack the strategic depth required for lasting political impact. 

In a series of provocative statements, some captured during his last week homecoming rallies, Natembeya has positioned himself as the new, sole voice for ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/article/2001513170/natembeya-i-m-ready-to-vie-for-presidency">Western Kenya<.

“Where were our so-called Luhya leaders when critical decisions affecting our community were being made in Nairobi?” Natembeya thundered at a rally in Bungoma town

“They are seated comfortably in big offices, while the common Mwananchi in Western Kenya continues to suffer. They have failed to protect our economic interests, our jobs, and our dignity. They have gone silent when they should be roaring like lions for their people.” Natembeya has amplified this narrative by explicitly stating his belief that he is now the only leader capable of genuinely pushing for the interests of Western Kenya and the Luhya community, given what he perceives as the failures of Mudavadi and Wetang’ula. 

These statements reveal ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/article/2001515068/natembeyas-fierce-criticism-of-rutos-administration-sparks-political-storm">Natembeya’s ambition< to transcend his gubernatorial role and assume a broader leadership position within the Luhya political landscape, directly challenging the established order.

The question then arises: Will Natembeya’s increasingly assertive moves complicate matters for Kenya Kwanza in Luhyaland and Western Kenya, or can these moves be undone?   

His ability to mobilize crowds and articulate popular grievances could erode the support base that Kenya Kwanza enjoyed in the last election, particularly if his accusations of marginalization resonate widely.  

The absence of key DAP-K figures from his rallies, while potentially indicative of internal party dynamics, also highlights a broader sense of fragmentation within the region that Kenya Kwanza might struggle to contain.

The region is at a critical juncture, and the outcome of this political chess match will have profound implications for its future.