Sifuna, Natembeya lead section of Western leaders in talks ahead of 2027 realignments
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, May 27, 2026Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna have intensified unity talks, bringing together leaders from the Western Kenya region amid growing calls for the area to secure the deputy president position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement shared on his X account on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Governor Natembeya said leaders from the Mulembe Nation remain committed to engaging in meaningful dialogue aimed at strengthening unity, leadership, and national cohesion.
Natembeya said the discussions brought together several leaders, including Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kanduyi MP John Makali Wamboka, Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, among other leaders from the region.
“The Mulembe Nation, under our collective leadership together with Hon. Sifuna, Osotsi, Wamboka, Kalasinga, Khalwale and the rest of our dedicated leaders and Kenya at large, continues to engage in meaningful dialogue that strengthens unity, leadership, and national cohesion. Together, we remain committed to building a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous country for all. Our unity remains the strongest foundation for national progress,” Natembeya stated.
According to Natembeya, the leaders are focused on building a united front that will champion the interests of the Western Kenya region while also promoting peace and inclusivity across the country.
He added that the leaders remain committed to building a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous country for all, insisting that unity remains the strongest foundation for national progress.
Western leaders demand DP slot in Ruto’s re-election bid
The meeting comes at a time when political leaders from Western Kenya, mostly allied to the government side, have increasingly been pushing for greater representation in national leadership, including calls for the region to be considered for the deputy president slot ahead of the next general election.
Western Kenya leaders had previously stepped up calls for the region to be considered for the Deputy President’s position in President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election strategy, a development that is increasingly shaping internal coalition negotiations within the Kenya Kwanza alliance.
The push emerged during a high-level meeting in Naivasha attended by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, and more than 28 Members of Parliament drawn from the Western Kenya Parliamentary Caucus.
Addressing journalists at Lake Naivasha Resort on Monday, May 25, 2026, the legislators maintained that Western Kenya has remained politically consistent in its support for successive administrations but has historically been under-represented in top national appointments.
They argued that it was time for the region to produce the country’s Deputy President.
“We are demanding the running mate position for His Excellency President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election because we have the requisite numbers and capability for the position,” read part of a statement delivered by Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera.
However, the Sifuna-led faction is pushing for the bigger seat in 2027 even as divisions continue to rock ODM, which controlled a bigger part of the Mulembe nation.