In a significant political move ahead of the 2027 elections, opposition leaders have named Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya as their point man in Western Kenya, positioning him at the centre of efforts to consolidate support in a region seen as critical in national politics.

The announcement was made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a rally in Kitale last Sunday attended by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa and other opposition figures, effectively assigning Governor Natembeya a coordinating role across Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega and Vihiga counties.

The move elevates Mr Natembeya beyond county leadership into a broader mobilisation role, where he is expected to help rally support, strengthen grassroots structures and coordinate local leaders aligned to the opposition agenda.

United Opposition leaders, led by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka (center), DAP-K Party leader Eugene Wamalwa (left), former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya (right), address the media at SKM command center in Nairobi on November 3, 2025.

Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group

The rally, marked by a strong turnout of supporters, also saw opposition leaders reaffirm their plan to field a single presidential candidate in 2027 to challenge President William Ruto. Former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and Mumias East MP Peter Salasya were among those present.

Western Kenya remains a key electoral battleground due to its sizeable and politically active voting population, with both government and opposition formations traditionally investing heavily in the region.

Mr Gachagua said the opposition was moving to secure unity in the region and counter attempts to split the Western vote, naming Governor Natembeya as a central figure in the mobilisation strategy.

“I urge you to support Governor Natembeya for a second term in office and he will take charge of this region. We are working to ensure we send President William Ruto home in 2027,” he said.

He added that the opposition had agreed in principle to back a single presidential candidate, naming Natembeya, Eugene Wamalwa, Fred Matiang’i and Kalonzo Musyoka among leaders in the wider pool of contenders.

“Whether it is Eugene, Natembeya, Matiang’i or Kalonzo, we will be behind him,” he said.

Economic recovery

Mr Gachagua accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of economic mismanagement, saying the opposition’s focus would be on economic recovery, with agriculture at the centre of its agenda.

Mr Natembeya has, in recent months, grown in national prominence, increasingly aligning with opposition messaging on governance and accountability. Analysts have described him as one of the emerging regional leaders shaping succession politics.

While the scope of his new role has not been formally detailed, the announcement is seen as part of broader efforts by the opposition to strengthen regional coordination ahead of 2027.

The rally also had strong political undertones for Trans Nzoia politics, with attention now turning to potential contenders for the 2027 gubernatorial race, as political realignments begin to take shape across the county.

The Governor welcomed the challenge, saying he was ready to face his opponents, whom he described as political puppets of the ruling coalition.

Whether that perception translates into wider regional influence remains to be seen, but Mr Gachagua’s endorsement has clearly strengthened Mr Natembeya’s standing within opposition ranks.

Within Trans Nzoia, some residents argue that the governor’s political influence has grown to rival, and in some cases overshadow, that of his party leader, Mr Eugene Wamalwa.

The endorsement has also sharpened the political stakes in the county, which is increasingly emerging as a key battleground between President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition and the opposition.

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Attention is now turning to who Kenya Kwanza will field against Mr Natembeya in the 2027 gubernatorial race, with several names already in circulation, including Kenya’s representative at UN-Habitat, Ms Susan Nakhumicha, Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau, former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa and Dorcas Njenga, who has declared her intention to run on a Jubilee Party ticket.

The shifting political landscape is already triggering realignments on the ground. In a notable development, Bidii Ward MCA and Trans Nzoia County Assembly Majority Chief Whip James Mwangi defected from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) during the rally.

Mr Mwangi, once considered a close ally of President Ruto, said he would not seek re-election on a UDA ticket and instead pledged support for Mr Natembeya’s 2027 re-election bid.

The defection has fuelled speculation that more leaders could switch allegiance as political camps continue to crystallise ahead of the next general election.

Meanwhile, several senior county officials and former aspirants have declared interest in various elective seats, signalling the start of an increasingly competitive political season across the county.

Among them is County Assembly Clerk Moses Lupao, who has declared interest in the Kwanza parliamentary seat currently held by Ford Kenya’s Ferdinand Wanyonyi. Former Woman Representative candidate Khatundi, who finished second in the 2022 polls, is also preparing another bid, while former economic adviser Mr Emmanuel Waswa is making a second attempt at the same seat.

Others include Trans Nzoia Water and Sewerage Company chairperson Chamii Jamii, who is eyeing the Endebess parliamentary seat, and County Director of Communications Felix Sialo, who is preparing a bid for Kaplamai Ward MCA.

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