Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has signalled a readiness to take on greater political responsibility, stating that he is prepared to serve Kenyans beyond the county level if called upon.

Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, July 31, 2025, Natembeya appeared to open the door to national ambitions while defending his role within the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), amid internal wrangles over the party’s future direction.

“As of now, I am working as a governor, and we have other ambitions, and if Kenyans want me to take up other responsibilities, then I am very ready,” he said, adding, “Nafikiri miaka yote nimekuwa kwa serikali imekuwa ikini-prepare for something, that is to give back to Kenyans now,” he said.

His remarks come at a time when DAP-K is facing internal debates between what he termed as conservative and liberal factions, some resisting change, while others are pushing to rebrand and expand the party’s influence beyond Western Kenya.

“Ile mambo mnasikia kelele kidogo kwa chama cha DAP-K is about those who want to be conservative and those who want to be liberal,” Natembeya said.

“Wale ambao wanataka ku-rebrand, wale ambao hawataki chama kuwa ya Magharibi peke yake lakini iwe na other voices because politics isn’t just about Western Kenya,” he added.

He argued that the party must move away from regional politics and welcome broader national representation, warning that clinging to narrow interests would limit the party’s potential.

“And that is the challenge we have: wale ambao wanataka chama kibaki kiwe kilivyo na wale wengine wanataka kufungulia milango wengine waingie kwa chama tuipanue because we believe DAP-K iko na potential,” he noted.

Natembeya acknowledged the presence of internal disagreements but firmly dismissed any likelihood of a party split. He emphasised that DAP-K is built on a strong foundation and belongs to the people, not to any single leader.

“The party doesn’t belong to me and does not belong to the party leader. The party belongs to the people. The party has a structure, and we are going to resolve those issues, and the party will remain as one; it will not split,” he said.

He assured supporters that despite internal contestations, the electorate remains focused and united in purpose.

“Lakini wananchi wako united, wanajua mahali wanaenda,” he said.

Concluding his statement, Natembeya reaffirmed his belief that Western Kenya will speak in one voice moving forward:

“Jamii ya Magharibi itaongea kwa sauti moja,” he reaffirmed.

His remarks add weight to ongoing political discussions as leaders across various parties begin to position themselves for the 2027 elections and broader influence on Kenya’s political stage.