Natembeya promises Luhya unity in 2027
Trans-Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya has called for unity in the Luhya community, vowing that the region will not be politically divided or manipulated by external forces starting in 2027.
Speaking during the Western region tour by the opposition leaders on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Kakamega Town, Natembeya declared that the days of outsiders making decisions on behalf of the Luhya nation are over.
“Starting in 2027, moving forward, the Luhya community will never be divided again. On tables where issues are being discussed for us to be planned for, we are going there directly,” he stated.
Flanked by Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, and other opposition leaders, Natembeya condemned the introduction of political projects in the Western region.
“We don’t want political projects in the Western region. Those who bought the Mumias, Nzoia, and Pan Paper factories, we are telling them that once we come into power, we will chase them away. We will reclaim our property,” he stated.
Furthermore, Natembeya stated that Western Kenya will not allow others to dictate its politics.
“As I stand before you today, I am a political prisoner for speaking the truth. Luhyas are not cowards. We will not allow people from outside to come and plan our politics,” he stated.
Gachagua’s take
This comes shortly after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua stated that he confronted President William Ruto over what he termed as deliberate neglect of Western Kenya.
He claimed that the Head of State downplayed his concerns by suggesting that development was no longer a priority in the region, so long as key leaders Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetang’ula were satisfied.
Speaking on Thursday, July 3, 2025, Gachagua, who was once one of Ruto’s fiercest defenders, stated that he had personally questioned the president over the region’s stalled infrastructure projects and the privatisation of strategic assets.
“So I asked Ruto about this Western Kenya issue — about the 100-kilometre stretch of road. You have already sold Nzoia Sugar; you have sold everything, so what do you intend to do with the Luhya community? He responded by saying, ‘If Musalia and Wetang’ula are full, then the Luhya are full.’ But are you truly full? No. Ruto should go now,” Gachagua said.
