Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya has backed down on his ambition to contest the presidency in 2027, stressing that he would be open to serving the county for a second term.

Speaking during a media engagement on Friday, November 21, 2025, the governor revealed that he was open to extending his tenure as the governor at the helm of the cosmopolitan county.

Second term

“My decision to come to politics was to help people, and that is what I am committed to doing. Ultimately, it is the people who hold the ultimate decision and to whom I remain accountable. I would like them to give me a second term,” he stated.

Natembeya also hit out at his fiercest critics, slamming them for dwelling in a politics of tribalism meant to sow divisions among people.

Trans Nzoia leadership

Most of those opposed to and criticising my leadership are tribalists. Regardless of what I do, they will find something to criticise,” he stated.

The governor defended his leadership and handling of the county affairs, stressing that he had strived to lead an all-inclusive leadership reflecting the status of the region.

“My appointments to the public positions within the county have reflected all tribes and communities,” he added.

Natembeya’s fresh stance comes after he declared his intention of going for the top seat by challenging President William Ruto in the 2027 polls.

Speaking on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Bwayi village in Kwanza Constituency, the Tawe movement leader argued that although he does not have sufficient resources to run for the presidency, he enjoys the backing of over 5 million voters from the vote-rich Western region and other parts of the country.

Presidency curse

“The curse of the president being either a Kikuyu or Kalenjin will be broken by a Luhya in 2027. After breaking the sequence, I will have opened opportunities to other communities, including the Turkana, Boranas, Rendile, and even Kenyan Somalis,” Natembeya stated.

He exuded confidence that the opposition had the wherewithal to take over government in 2027, urging its bigwigs to solidify manifestos that will make real change to the electorate.

The governor is among the politicians aligned to the united opposition and has in the past claimed that he should be taken to a mental facility if he ever joins up with Ruto’s side.

Speaking to a local television station on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, he stated that he had never considered working with Ruto or his allies.

“Ruto ameninyanyasa miaka yote hii. Ile siku mtaniona nimevuka serikalini mnishike mnifungie Mathari Mental Hospital,” Natembeya said.