Natembeya promises new political wave during Bungoma funeral gathering
By Mabonga Makhanu, May 23, 2026Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has stated that the much-awaited political declaration of the Western region will be made during the burial ceremony of the father of former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the former Bungoma county boss’s home on Friday, May 22, 2026, in what appeared to be an indirect jab at National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, with whom they are currently at loggerheads.
The outspoken governor announced that the day will mark the unveiling of the political lineup, which, according to him, will sweep the 2027 general election.
“It will be during Wyckliffe Wanganamati’s father’s time when we will unveil the lineup which will lead Kenya in 2027. We are going to make a political declaration: that if you are not with us, it will be the end of your political career. During that funeral on May 30, 2026, we will also bury many political careers, especially for those seasoned politicians who has brought no meaningful change to the community.”
Natembeya further stated that the event will draw clear political battle lines in the region, warning that leaders who are not part of the united opposition and still choose to remain aligned with the government risk bringing their political careers to an end.
He added that the burial ceremony will also symbolise the end of certain political careers, especially for leaders who, according to him, have spent years in politics without delivering meaningful development to the Western region.
Natembeya noted that during the burial of Patrick Wangamati, a former nominated MP who served between 2013 and 2017, some political careers will effectively be buried alongside him.
The governor also faulted unnamed individuals allied to the state, accusing them of frustrating both the late Patrick Wangamati and his son, former Governor Wycliffe Wangamati. According to Natembeya, the individuals were behind the demolition of Wangamati’s property in Bungoma town to pave way for the expansion of Masinde Muliro Stadium.
Wangamati’s predicaments
He further accused the same individuals of orchestrating political campaigns against Wycliffe Wangamati that led to his electoral defeat before continuing to frustrate him even after his appointment by President William Ruto as Chairperson of the Public Service Superannuation Fund (PSSF) Board of Trustees.
This led to his dismissal and subsequent arrests by officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Government alignment warning
The remarks come just days after Natembeya warned leaders from the Western region who are still aligned with the government against attempting last-minute defections to the opposition.
According to him, leaders who have continued “dining with the oppressor” should remain where they are instead of seeking acceptance in the opposition at the final hour.
He urged residents of the region not to entertain political defections close to the election period, insisting that only leaders who are currently standing and fighting for the community deserve support at the ballot.