Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has spoken out about the high stakes of the upcoming by-elections, terming them as key to countering President William Ruto’s influence in the region.

Speaking on Friday, November 21, 2025, the governor opined that the results of the mini-polls could indicate future negative outcomes if President Ruto and his key allies win. 

Life or death

“We have upcoming by-elections in Malava and Kisa East. For us, they are a matter of life and death for the people of our community,” he posited.

According to Natembeya, a win for Ruto would embolden the president to extend his yoke of taxes and abductions.

If we lose, the move will embolden the president and puff him up with pride. It is why we are committed to defeating him. If we fail, Kenyans will be in much trouble. He will impose more taxes and even continue the trend of abductions.”

“For us, the election in Malava is not about Panyaka and Ndakwa but about Panyako, the president’s aide who has been camping there. Some people from the region are even thinking Farouk is vying in the polls,” he added.

His remarks followed after he also lifted the lid on his political ambition heading to the 2027 polls.

The politician who has been leading the Tawe Movement across the western region 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.

Presidential bid

The former Rift Valley regional commissioner emphasised that a call to serve humanity overrides his reason to come into leadership, a commitment he stated that he seeks to abide by.

“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’s fresh stance comes after he had 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 politician 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.