Trans Nzoia: How Governor George Natembeya is consolidating his political support base for 2027

It has been barely two years into politics for Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya, but he has already made a name for himself Through his...

• It has been barely two years into politics for Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya, but he has already made a name for himself
• Through his Tawe Movement, Natembeya has been on a mission to unite the Luhya community, and he is not about to stop
• Political analysts now argue that the governor can no longer be ignored in the Kenyan political space

Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya is fast emerging as the de facto leader of the Luhya community living in the former Western province and other parts of the country.

Despite being branded a juvenile in national politics by his critics, Natembeya is now a clear threat to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi‘s dominance in the regional politics.

Wetang’ula and Mudavadi have for years been considered the eyes and the ears of the Mulembe nation, with both having vast experience in politics.

Is Tawe Movement popular amongst the Luhya community?

Barely two years into his first term as governor, Natembeya has already made a political statement with the launch of his now-famous Tawe Movement.

The former Rift Valley regional commissioner has used the movement as a vehicle for consolidating his support base. In political rallies and events meant to popularise the movement, the governor has been clear that the community deserve to sit at the negotiating table.

With eyes on the 2027 General Election, Natembeya has been holding meetings with elders from across the region and visiting strategic counties as part of his efforts to unite the community.

In late September 2025, he was crowned Luhya spokesperson at Mudete village in Vihiga county, the doorstep of Musalia Mudavadi. Although the coronation was marked by some controversy, the blessings were given to him by the Vihiga Council of Elders.

A week later, he paid homage to the legendary King Nabongo Mumia at the Mausoleum in Shiembekho, Matungu constituency. During the visit, Natembeya sought the blessings of King Nabongo Mumia II.

On Monday, October 13, he hosted a delegation of over 100 people from Busia county. The event came just days before his scheduled crowning by the Busia Council of Elders as their spokesperson. The event will be held in Busia Town.

“These elders, politicians and Gen Zs have seen me through TVs and heard me on radios, and they saw it wise to visit me so that we can have a one-on-one meeting together. Over the weekend, we will have a series of political rallies in Busia county,” Natembeya said during the meeting.

According to Oprong' Wycliffe, the chairman of the Busia Council of Elders, who led the delegation, they are ready to rally behind the county boss.

Can Natembeya be a force to reckon with in Kenyan politics?

Kitale-based political analyst Rose Njenga argues that Natembeya’s political star will continue to shine, and he should not be underestimated.

Njenga argues that within a short time, the governor has already managed to elbow the historical political heavyweights in Western Kenya.

“His charisma is way above that of Eugene Wamalwa, Musalia, and Wetangula all combined. He is the next big thing to watch in Kenya,” she told okay1.co.ke.

Similar sentiments were shared by Eliud Lagat, also a political analyst. Lagat noted that Natembeya has risen to the level of the late Masinde Muliro and Michael Kijana Wamalwa.

“He will pick up from where Masinde Muliro and Kijana Wamalwa left. I am sure he will liberate Luhyas from slavery because he is young, energetic, courageous and charismatic,” Lagat said.

However, other analysts who are inclined to FORD-Kenya consider the governor a toddler in Kenyan politics.

Why did Ruto cancel his tour to Trans Nzoia?

Previously, okay1.co.ke reported that President William Ruto had cancelled his planned visit to Trans Nzoia county at the last minute.

Former Kiminini Member of Parliament Chris Wamalwa revealed that the president cancelled the tour based on false information he received from politicians in the county.

Wamalwa claimed that some of those feeding the president with wrong information are seeking to be identified as point persons in the county.