What Natembeya’s endorsement of Sifuna means for United Opposition
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 6, 2026Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya appears to be gradually drifting away from the United Opposition, where he has been one of its key figures in recent months, and aligning himself with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi movement.
The governor has also shown signs of distancing himself from the Eugene Wamalwa-led Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), the party under which he was elected and which played a key role in propelling him to the Trans Nzoia governorship.
Natembeya’s latest political posture could have far-reaching implications for the United Opposition, particularly in Western Kenya, where he has built considerable political influence.
If the Linda Mwananchi movement and the United Opposition eventually agree to work together ahead of the 2027 General Election, Natembeya is increasingly likely to approach such negotiations as a Linda Mwananchi ally rather than as a member of the Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa-led opposition outfit.
Such a scenario could weaken the United Opposition’s bargaining power in the Mulembe region, considering Natembeya has established himself as one of Western Kenya’s most influential political figures, particularly in Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties.
His growing influence saw Siaya Governor James Orengo recently describe him as a regional leader whose political support remains firmly rooted in his stronghold.
The shift became more apparent after Natembeya hosted Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi leadership at his Trans Nzoia home over the weekend, where the leaders held talks lasting more than 10 hours before emerging with what they described as “white smoke”.
Linda Mwananchi – United Opposition merger
Although the Linda Mwananchi movement had previously shown signs of working alongside the United Opposition in its broader campaign against President William Ruto, Natembeya’s latest actions suggest he is increasingly prioritising the Sifuna-led movement over the Gachagua-Kalonzo alliance.
The major hurdle might come if the Linda Mwananchi movement refuses to totally partner with the united opposition and decides to field Sifuna as their presidential candidate. This will be a major loss to the united opposition since they could have entirely lost the western Kenya region
Speaking after the lengthy meeting, Natembeya, who has in recent months positioned himself as the Mulembe region’s kingpin after receiving endorsements from leaders across several Western Kenya communities, publicly endorsed Sifuna as the region’s preferred presidential candidate.
The governor further pledged to lead campaigns for Sifuna across Western Kenya’s 38 constituencies, saying he would ensure the Nairobi senator secures overwhelming support in the region as Sifuna focuses on expanding his influence in the rest of the country.
Natembeya also appeared to endorse the political party expected to be associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, urging the Mulembe community to unite behind a single political vehicle ahead of the 2027 general election.
“Tunaenda kuunda chama, na hiyo chama ndiyo itakuwa chama chetu. Tutapiga kura kwa chama moja,” the governor stated.
His commitment to the movement has also extended to preparations for Sifuna’s upcoming homecoming tour. Natembeya is among the key organisers and will host the Linda Mwananchi movement in Kitale before the main homecoming rally scheduled for July 26, 2027, in Bungoma County. He has already mobilised residents from across the Mulembe region to attend both the Trans Nzoia and Bungoma events.
On his part, Sifuna urged the people of Trans Nzoia to “release” their governor to work alongside him in elevating the Mulembe community’s political influence nationally. He called on residents to safeguard Natembeya’s gubernatorial seat as the governor helps consolidate regional and national support for the movement.
However, the growing political closeness between Natembeya and Sifuna has attracted criticism from within the United Opposition.
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya dismissed the emerging alliance, arguing that it was designed to undermine DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, whom he described as the rightful spokesman of the Mulembe region.
Salasya’s view
Salasya maintained that Natembeya’s and Sifuna’s political project would not succeed and instead urged them to rally behind Wamalwa. He also accused Natembeya of creating divisions within the opposition by hosting United Opposition leaders before aligning himself with a separate political movement.
Natembeya’s latest political moves therefore point to a gradual realignment that could reshape opposition politics in Western Kenya. Should he formally shift his allegiance to Linda Mwananchi, the United Opposition risks losing one of its most influential regional mobilisers, potentially weakening its grip on a region regarded as crucial in the race to unseat President William Ruto in 2027.
Natembeya/Wamalwa rift
The developments also come amid growing supremacy battles within DAP-K, where Natembeya and Eugene Wamalwa increasingly appear to differ over the leadership of both the party and the wider Mulembe region.