Mt. Elgon Member of Parliament (MP) Fred Kapondi has warned Governor George Natembeya over bringing his Tawe Movement to Bungoma County.

Speaking at Torosso Primary School in Cheptais on Friday, May 30, 2025, Kapondi slammed the governor for what he termed as disruptive politics in the neighbouring county, stating that they are focused on delivering for their people and not politicking.

“Uyo gavana awachane na Bungoma. Sisi tunafanya kazi na hatutaki mtu ameshindwa kwake alete vurugu apa. Hio Hutaki. Watu wa Cheptais mnasema ivo?” he posed.

Loosely translates to;

“The Trans Nzoia governor should leave Bungoma alone. I have told my governor (Ken) Lusaka that we are focused on doing work for our people, and we don’t want people who are unable to work for their people to come here and bring chaos. People of Cheptais, are we in agreement?”

Kapondi further challenged the locals to consider bringing the presidency to the Western region once President William Ruto’s tenure ends.

He further backed National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to make a stab for a higher seat after serving the 13th parliament of Kenya.

“Kiti iko hapa karibu na sisi.Rais anatoka hapa Sugio na akitoka 2032, kiti iko karibu tuivurute ikuje. Kuliko kuwa kama wengine wanapiga kelele eti tawe,” he stated.

“Wetangula amedhihirisha anapenda jamii zote. Wangapi wanasema tutashikilia Wetangula mahali ako aende juu ya apo,”

Loosely translates to;

“The presidency is just near here. Our president is set to vacate in 2032. The seat is very near, and we can pull it closer instead of being like those who are making noise and saying tawe tawe.”

“Wetang’ula has proven he loves all the people. How many are promising to support him and help him for a higher seat?”

Kapondi’s remark comes after Natembeya, accompanied by Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah, embarked on a grand procession across western Kenya on Monday, May 26, 2025.

His convoy made stopovers in key towns, including Luanda in Vihiga, Kakamega town, Malava, Webuye, Bungoma town, Chwele, Kimilili, Kamukuywa, and Kiminini before making a triumphant entry into Kitale town, the county headquarters.

At each stop, Natembeya attracted massive crowds, with supporters chanting his popular slogan “Tawe!” a Luhya word meaning “No, which he has used as a rallying call to reject bad governance.

The rally was preceded by his arrest and arraignment in court on May 19, 2025, by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over alleged corruption involving procurement irregularities.

Wetang’ula, who was Chief guest at the function, was accompanied by Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka. MPs Didmus Barasa and Oscar Sudi of Kapseret, among other MCAs and other grassroots leaders from the region.