Former Cherangany Member of Parliament Joshua Kutuny has proposed a way to counter Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya’s popular “Tawe” slogan.

While speaking during an event in his constituency on Friday, May 1, 2026, the outspoken former legislator said that if Natembeya continues using the “Tawe” slogan in his opposition politics against the government, they will also introduce a counter slogan known as “Ngopit”, a Kalenjin phrase that similarly means “no”.

Kutuny criticised the governor, accusing him of neglecting his mandate to serve the people of Trans Nzoia. He claimed that instead of focusing on service delivery, the governor has shifted his attention to opposition politics under the “Tawe” banner.

He further cited the situation in Namanjalala, where flooding has caused destruction. Kutuny said the floods are wreaking havoc, yet the county leadership has done little to address the situation, remarking that the governor has been travelling across the country instead of helping residents on the ground.

“Namanjalala wanasombwa na maji. Wacha kuambia Ruto ‘Tawe’, kuja usaidie watu hapa wasisombwe na maji. Na ukiendelea na ‘Tawe’, sisi pia tutaanza msemo wetu wa kusema ‘Ngopit’, si tutaenda draw sasa,” Kutuny said.

Kutuny’s cherangany 2027 comeback

This comes days after Kutuny officially registered as an aspirant for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 General Election, formally ditching the Jubilee Party ticket he used in the 2022 polls.

Kutuny confirmed the move on Thursday, January 22, 2026, through a statement shared on his social media platforms, announcing that he had successfully registered as a UDA aspirant for the Cherang’any parliamentary seat—a seat he failed to defend in 2022 after losing to Patrick Simiyu of the Democratic Action Party.

In his message, Kutuny openly declared his allegiance to UDA, stating that President William Ruto ’s-led party is the way to go.

“Dear Joshua Kutuny Serem, you have successfully registered for the UDA aspirants’ forum for MP in Nzoia, Cherangany,” the confirmation message from UDA read.

Natembeya’s political ambitions

This also comes at a time when Natembeya has been traversing Trans Nzoia County, casting doubt on President Ruto’s leadership while advancing the United Opposition political agenda.

Natembeya, who is also positioning himself as the Luhya spokesperson, has stated that despite engaging in national politics in 2027, he will defend his Trans Nzoia gubernatorial seat to ensure that the people of Trans Nzoia benefit at all levels.