KAKAMEGA, May 31, 2025 – Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has unleashed a fiery rebuke against President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet for orchestrating what he calls a degrading spectacle at a Malava harambee, where Luhya leaders were coerced into dancing for handouts. The outspoken Tawe movement leader branded the act “unbefitting” and a direct insult to the dignity of Western Kenya’s sons.
In a viral clip from the event, Kibet is seen directing the DJ to keep the music rolling as he orders MCAs like Andanje, Manyasi, and Ndakwa to perform awkward, robotic dances in front of a crowd, as if fulfilling a bizarre ritual for unspecified rewards. Natembeya didn’t hold back, taking to his Facebook page to declare, “In Malava, our sons are being paraded and forced to dance by a stranger! Hiyo nayo TAWE! Malava will be the firstborn of the Tawe movement!” His post rallied support for Seth Panyako, DAP-K’s candidate for the vacant Malava parliamentary seat, which opened after the passing of incumbent Malulu Injendi.
The harambee incident has sparked outrage across social media, with locals decrying Kibet’s influence as a slight against Luhya pride. “Luhya leaders reduced to dancing for Farouk Kibet’s ‘small change’? This is shameful,” posted Mutwiri Fisher on Facebook, echoing sentiments that Kibet’s actions reflect a broader disrespect for the community. Mukaile Sammy Wanjala added, “Forcing grown men to dance for fuel money is not just disrespectful—it’s a clear sign Farouk Kibet undervalues the Luhya people.”
The controversy comes amid a heated race for the Malava seat, with Natembeya backing Panyako, who narrowly lost in 2022 in a contest that ended up in court. Locals are bristling at Kibet’s vow to “give Malava” a candidate, arguing that Malava’s people should choose their MP without external pressure. Allan Aaron Rothrock commented online, “Our leaders deserve dignity, not to be treated like kids for a token.”
Natembeya’s defiance, coupled with his Tawe movement’s push for Luhya autonomy, has intensified the feud, with many seeing the dance stunt as a symbol of broader political overreach. As Malava gears up for its by-election, the governor’s bold stand is rallying support, setting the stage for a showdown over pride, power, and the future of Western Kenya’s leadership.