By BOB WASWANI
June 25, 2026| Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has launched one of his fiercest attacks yet on Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, describing the two veteran politicians as a disappointment to the people of Western Kenya and accusing them of abandoning the region’s interests in favour of praising President William Ruto.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen Radio’s breakfast show hosted by Vincent Ateya and Melody Sinzire today (Thursday) morning, Natembeya argued that the two leaders had failed to translate their decades-long political careers into meaningful gains for the Mulembe Nation.
“Two leaders from Western Kenya have been placed at the high table like decorative portraits. Their main job has become kneeling before the President and singing his praises instead of speaking about and defending issues affecting ordinary citizens,” Natembeya said.
The outspoken governor, who has increasingly emerged as one of the leading voices of opposition politics in the region, mocked Mudavadi over a recent viral photograph showing him taking pictures of President Ruto during the G7 Summit.
“Mudavadi’s biggest job nowadays is taking photographs of Ruto,” he quipped.
The duo are on a mission if urging Luhyas to support another Ruto Presidency in the hope that one of them would be propped up for the same position in 2032.
Ford Kenya Left Trans Nzoia “A Skeleton”
Natembeya also used the interview to defend his administration while taking aim at the previous Ford Kenya leadership that governed Trans Nzoia before his election in 2022.
“Ford Kenya consumed Trans Nzoia until only bones remained,” he said.
According to Natembeya, his administration has maintained a clean record in the management of public resources.
“Since I was elected Governor of Trans Nzoia, not a single cent of public money has been lost under my leadership,” he stated.
The governor has previously defended former governor Patrick Khaemba, claiming the ex-county boss was subjected to blackmail by a senior Ford Kenya figure who allegedly demanded a helicopter be purchased using county funds.
Natembeya further accused previous county administrations of leaving Trans Nzoia without a single Level Four hospital despite years in office.
Wetang’ula’s Endorsement Is a Political Kiss of Death
The governor appeared unfazed by recent efforts by Wetang’ula to rally support behind former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha as a potential challenger in the 2027 gubernatorial race.
“Anyone endorsed by Wetang’ula in Trans Nzoia is headed for defeat,” Natembeya declared.
He went further, predicting political trouble for the Speaker in the next General Election.
“In 2027, Wetang’ula will collect smoke everywhere. He will not even secure the election of an MCA in his own backyard,” he said.
His confidence stems partly from recent political developments in Wetang’ula’s home area Chwele/Kabuchai Ward where a Ford Kenya candidate suffered a crushing defeat in a by-election despite the party leader’s vigorous backing.
Wetang’ula said that didn’t mean he lost influence in the ward or even the larger Bungoma county, a stronghold for his Ford Kenya party.
Natembeya also appeared to take a swipe at Nakhumicha, whom he jokingly refers to as (Mayi wa Kumuchele) the “Rice Queen”, recalling how she was heckled in Birbiriet shortly after receiving Wetang’ula’s endorsement while criticizing his administration and backing President Ruto’s re-election bid.
Rejects Tribalism Claims
Responding to critics who accuse him of promoting tribal politics by urging the Luhya community to use its numerical strength to gain greater political influence nationally, like all other politicians do, Natembeya dismissed the accusations as hypocritical.
“You cannot call me a tribalist when my Deputy Governor is from the Sabaot community,” he said.
He accused his critics of applying double standards.
“When they support Ruto, it is not called tribalism. But when Luhyas support me, suddenly it becomes tribalism. That is astonishing hypocrisy.”
Natembeya insisted that his political mission is to unite rather than divide communities in Western Kenya.
“My objective has always been to unite Western Kenya, and Western Kenya is home to many communities living together peacefully,” he said.
“The Time for a Luhya President Is Now”
The governor reiterated his long-standing argument that Kenya’s presidency should rotate beyond communities that have historically dominated State House.
“The time for a Luhya to lead this country as President is now; and if not now, then right now,” he declared.
Natembeya has repeatedly argued that national unity would be strengthened if communities outside the traditional centres of power were given an opportunity to occupy the country’s highest office.
“If a Luhya becomes President, then a Giriama or even an El Molo child will believe they too can become President one day,” he has previously said.
His name, alongside that of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, has increasingly featured in discussions about the future leadership of the opposition and the possibility of a presidential bid from Western Kenya.
Apology Before Compensation
Turning to the Gen Z protests and the aftermath of last year’s anti-government demonstrations, Natembeya urged young people to exercise caution, alleging that criminal gangs had been prepared to infiltrate protests.
He also dismissed government compensation efforts for victims of protest-related violence as insufficient.
“You cannot compensate someone before apologising. The President must come out publicly and apologise to Kenyans. That is where genuine healing and reconciliation will begin,” he said.
The remarks are likely to deepen an already bitter political rivalry between Natembeya and the Western Kenya political establishment, setting the stage for an intense battle for influence in the region as the 2027 General Election draws closer.