Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
By IP Editorial.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya will tomorrow begin a series of strategic meetings in Vihiga County—a bold signal that his sights are firmly set on Kenya’s top political seat.
A member of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), whose patron is former Defense Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, Natembeya appears to be testing the waters ahead of a 2027 or 2032 presidential bid.
Yet, credible sources indicate he may be planning to abandon DAP-K to establish his own political vehicle—an audacious but calculated move.
Whether this signals a false start or a misstep that will land him in the embrace of President William Ruto remains to be seen.
There is growing speculation that Natembeya’s cross-county tours—beginning with the Luhya heartland—may also be laying the groundwork for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who has kept a low profile since leaving government.
But if Natembeya is serious about the presidency, he must stay the course and not allow himself to be relegated to the role of kingmaker—a fate that has befallen many Western Kenya politicians before him.
The Luhya community has historically played second fiddle in national politics, often used for numerical support while other regions take the crown. It is time for that script to change.
According to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, the Luhya community is the second-largest ethnic group in the country, with approximately 6.8 million people.
Today, over 3.5 million Luhyas are eligible voters—a decisive bloc that can tilt a presidential race when properly mobilized and united.
With strategic alliances, especially with disaffected youth and emerging political movements, Natembeya can lead a credible bid for State House.
Among the reasons his candidacy is resonating is his growing popularity among Gen Z voters.
His recent stance during nationwide youth protests against police brutality—where he publicly criticized heavy-handed state responses—has earned him a reputation as a fearless, progressive leader.
On social media, Natembeya is being hailed as “authentic,” “grounded,” and “not afraid to speak truth to power”—traits that have eluded many established politicians.
As he launches his campaign infrastructure, rallies his base, and builds alliances, Natembeya must be careful not to be outmaneuvered by seasoned power brokers from his own backyard.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi are all positioning themselves for influence in the next dispensation.
Wetang’ula has been galvanizing support from President Ruto with an Attalids of Western Kenya governors,Senators over 20 MPs in what’s dubbed the western political caucus,a hurdle Natembeya must overcome to get the attention of the other opposition leaders.
All three veteran politicians from the Luhyia community have cultivated deep political networks and are veterans of the Luhya political chessboard.
Their support or opposition could make or break Natembeya’s ambition.
Ultimately, if George Natembeya is to rise beyond Trans Nzoia and take a credible shot at the presidency, he must remain focused, consolidate the Luhya vote, and resist the pressure to play second fiddle. Kenya’s history has enough kingmakers; what it needs now is a king.
