Savula downplays Natembeya, Wamalwa’s influence in Western politics ahead of 2027
By Faith Lagat, May 12, 2026Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has criticised opposition leaders in the Western region, describing them as lacking the political experience needed to speak for the community.
Speaking during a television interview on Monday, May 11, 2026, Savula singled out Democratic Action Party-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, saying they do not match the experience of leaders aligned to UDA and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Savula said Eugene Wamalwa served only one term as a member of Parliament and has never been re-elected, while Osotsi and Natembeya are both serving their first terms in office.
“We have senior leaders who have been elected 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,” Savula stated.
His remarks come amid increasing political competition in Western Kenya as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election. The debate over who speaks for the Luhya community has intensified in recent months, with leaders from both government and opposition camps seeking influence in the region.
Kenya Kwanza leaders defend development record
During the same interview, Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe criticised former leaders from the region, accusing them of failing to deliver development despite occupying influential positions in government for years.
“We blame our Luhya leaders also for why they were in power for too long without doing the roads to their places. They were in charge of these programmes. Why were they not able to build roads to their places?” Wangwe posed.
The comments mirror recent criticism by Kenya Kwanza leaders against opposition figures linked to the United Alternative Government coalition.
Public Service and Human Capital Development Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, while touring Moyale on May 9, 2026, accused opposition leaders of lacking a development agenda despite having served in senior government positions.
Ruku named Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying Kenyans should assess leaders based on development records and service delivery. He cited ongoing infrastructure projects, social programmes and resource distribution as evidence of the government’s focus.
Western Kenya leadership debate intensifies
The remarks by Savula and Wangwe add to an ongoing contest over political influence in Western Kenya. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has previously dismissed claims that Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya is the region’s political kingpin, maintaining that community leadership develops naturally through public support.
Wetang’ula has referenced the unity witnessed behind the late Kijana Wamalwa in 2002 as an example of how the region can rally around one leader. Former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has also publicly backed Wetang’ula as the senior-most political figure in the region.