Savula dismisses Wamalwa, Natembeya and Osotsi as political amateurs in Western
By Mustafa Juma, May 12, 2026Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has sparked a fresh political storm in Western Kenya after dismissing Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) party leader Eugene Wamalwa, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi as “political amateurs” who do not qualify to speak on behalf of the Luhya community.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on the night of Monday, May 11, 2026, Savula, who has declared his interest in running for the Kakamega gubernatorial seat on a Democratic United Alliance (UDA) ticket, argued that leadership of the region should be left to seasoned politicians with a proven electoral track record.
According to him, most of the veteran political leaders are currently within the Kenya Kwanza administration and its allied parties.
Savula questions rivals’ political weight
Savula took aim at the three leaders’ political experience, saying they lacked the electoral history and influence needed to claim regional leadership.
“Eugene Wamalwa ran as a member of parliament for one term; from there, he has never been elected again. Osotsi is serving his first term as a senator. George Natembeya is serving his first term in office,” Savula said.
He contrasted them with senior leaders aligned to Kenya Kwanza and the ruling coalition, whom he described as more experienced and better placed to articulate the region’s interests.
“We have senior leaders who have been elected three or four times in that region, who are with us in UDA and Kenya Kwanza. Those are the people who will speak on behalf of the community, but not political amateurs,” he added.
Growing political tensions in Western Kenya
Savula’s remarks are the latest sign of escalating political rivalry in Western Kenya as leaders battle for influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The region has recently witnessed increasing divisions between leaders allied to the government and those aligned with opposition figures pushing for an alternative political direction.
Leaders allied to the government have been seeking to strengthen Kenya Kwanza’s support in the region, while opposition figures continue mobilising around issues such as economic hardship, governance, and regional representation.
Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Wycliffe Oparanya recently expressed concerns over how it is increasingly becoming difficult for leaders to popularise the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in the Western Kenya region, and seek votes for President William Ruto.
Speaking in Butula Constituency, where he presided over the issuance of Ksh4.04 million Uwezo Fund cheques to 40 beneficiary groups on Saturday, May 9, 2026, the former Kakamega governor said that internal wrangles and disciplinary actions within ODM are hurting the Orange party and Ruto’s re-election bid in the region.
Oparanya warned that the ongoing removal and suspension of leaders associated with the region was creating discontent among grassroots supporters and weakening the party’s influence.
Targeting key opposition figures
Wamalwa, a former Cabinet Secretary and leader of the DAP-K party, has remained one of the most vocal critics of President William Ruto’s administration.
Natembeya, the governor of Trans Nzoia County, has also emerged as a prominent opposition voice in Western Kenya, frequently criticising the government and calling for regional political unity.
Osotsi, the Vihiga County senator, has similarly been active in ODM politics, leading the rebel Linda Mwananchi faction and national debates surrounding governance and accountability.