Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has urged leaders from Western Kenya to unite, warning that disorganization could cost the region politically, including future prospects for the presidency.  

Speaking at the burial of former IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati on March 8, 2025, Natembeya emphasized that without a united front, Western Kenya’s presidential ambitions would remain unfulfilled while other communities continue to dominate the political landscape.

“I have always spoken about our people coming together, and some see that as tribalism. It is not tribalism. Coming together, like we have today, is not tribalism. Tribalism is favouritism—when you say someone should get something simply because they belong to a particular community. That is tribalism,” Natembeya stated.  

United front

He stressed that Western Kenya, being a cosmopolitan region, faces shared challenges, making it crucial for leaders to work together toward collective political bargaining power.  

“We want all communities in the Western region to unite, and you know we are cosmopolitan. Everyone lives in Western, and we suffer the same problems,” he said.

While referring to the recent political alliance between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Natembeya cautioned that Western Kenya leaders risk becoming mere spectators in national politics if they fail to consolidate their voting bloc.

“If you continue behaving as you are, events like the one that happened yesterday between President William Ruto and Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will continue to happen, and as Western Kenya, mtakuwa mnaangalilia kwa Viusasa,” he warned.  

Natembeya stressed that unity would give the region more political influence, ensuring that any national leader engaging with Western Kenya recognizes its collective voice.

“We have to be united so that even if the President wants to speak to Western Kenya, he knows that by speaking to one leader, he is speaking to the entire region. The same way he speaks to Raila knowing he is addressing a whole community—we need to be like that. This disorganization must end,” he stated.  

Speak with one voice

Natembeya’s remarks echo former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s advice to the Western Kenya region to reassess its voting trends.

Speaking on February 4, 2025, Gachagua stated that Western Kenya is a vote-rich bloc, arguing that the region has the potential to produce the country’s president, but its voting patterns have historically been divided.

He pointed out that the region often gives votes to Raila Odinga while only a small portion supports Musalia Mudavadi, with the rest voting for other candidates on the ballot.

“The Mulembe Nation can secure a place at the helm of Kenya, but it will depend on how they organize themselves. This quest for the presidency cannot be achieved without unity. Come together and speak with one voice, because in the past, you have split your votes. Your divided votes are not benefiting the Mulembe Nation; some support Raila Odinga, others support Musalia, and some vote for others. This division makes your votes meaningless,” Gachagua argued.

He further claimed that the Western region seems to have been sidelined in the government, despite having a large number of voters and a significant population.

“You have nearly five million votes, which is the second largest in Kenya. Yet, if you look at how the government is structured, you are not even in the top five. The government arrangement does not reflect your population and vote count. That’s why I have been advocating for you; your representatives have been misled and have not been acting in your best interests,” Gachagua said.