Trans-Nzoia governor George Natembeya has asked voters from the larger Nyanza region to stand with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna since the former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) General Secretary always stood by the late Raila Odinga.

Natembeya said it is time for the Nyanza voters not to align themselves with President William Ruto but to reciprocate the support and rally behind Sifuna.

Addressing a large gathering at Posta Grounds in Bungoma on Sunday, July 26, 2026, the governor claimed that campaign teams arrive with sacks of money but fail to distribute the full amount to residents.

He said Raila left Edwin Sifuna as ODM Secretary-General and asked voters from Nyanza to stand with the current side.

“This time round, I’m calling on our brothers. Mashemeji wetu kutoka Nyanza. I’m calling upon you, kama kijana ambaye alipigania Raila Trans Nzoia 2022. This time round, msimame na sisi. Hamuwezi tuacha sisi muende kwa Kasongo. Hiyo haikubaliki.”

Natembeya warns voters over bribery

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has warned Bungoma residents against selling their votes to the broad-based government.

“Hawa majamaa watakuja na pesa. Wanakuja na pesa na magunia,” Natembeya said. He described what he saw in Kimilili.

“Tumetoka Kimilili kutoka hivi jamaa akakuja na ndege na pesa kwa gunia akaanza kugawia watu. Ile pesa amepewa hapeani yote, badala ya kupatia watu elfu mbili mbili, anapatiana mia mbili. Pesa ikikuja mkule.”

The governor told the crowd the money allocated is enough for Ksh2,000 per person. Instead, distributors hand out only Ksh200. He urged people to accept any cash that comes their way but still cast their votes the same way residents of Kabuchai and Ol Kalou did in recent by-elections.

Natembeya linked the call to long-standing political ties.

“Sisi tumesaidia jamii zote. Tulisimama na Kibaki hakakuwa president. Tulisimama na Raila miaka yote. Raila, until his death, was our political leader,” he added.

Natembeya urges opposition unity

The speech came during the climax of the Linda Mwananchi tour that began in Trans Nzoia on Saturday. Natembeya had welcomed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the team in Kitale. The convoy moved through Kiminini, Kamukuywa, Kimilili and Chwele on Sunday before reaching Bungoma town. Crowds lined the roads and some residents handed small cash donations to the movement.

Natembeya serves as a key organiser for the Western leg of the tour. On Sunday, he used the platform to urge unity between Luhya and Luo voters and to reject any shift to the government side.

Natembeya pointed to recent by-election results as proof that cash does not always decide outcomes. He asked the Bungoma crowd to follow the same path.

“Pesa ikikuja mkule. Lakini kura mfanye kama vile watu wa kabuchai walifanya. Mfanye kama vile watu wa Ol Kalou walifanya.”

The Linda Mwananchi movement has focused on cost of living, accountability and opposition to certain government programmes during the Western tour. Sifuna has repeatedly criticised the affordable housing project and the Social Health Authority.