A split image featuring Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and United Democratic Alliance Secretary General Cleophas Malala. IMAGE: George Natembeya | Cleophas Malala
In Summary:
1) Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya calls for Luhya unity, emphasizing the need to leverage their significant population for greater political influence.
2) Natembeya criticizes recent cabinet appointments and past voting patterns, urging strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has issued a rallying cry for Luhya unity, emphasizing the urgent need to consolidate the community’s political power in Kenya.
Speaking at the Mulembe People’s Assembly in Kakamega, Natembeya highlighted the community’s significant population as a potential game-changer in national politics.
Natembeya’s address centered on the critical need for introspection within the Luhya community, particularly in light of recent cabinet appointments.
He questioned why, despite being the second-largest ethnic group in Kenya, the community has struggled to assert itself in national decision-making processes.
“Politics is about numbers,” Natembeya stated, pointing out the paradox of smaller communities achieving greater political success.
The governor didn’t mince words when discussing the recent cabinet reshuffle.
“When the Cabinet Secretaries were nominated afresh, the deputy president got almost seven positions,” he noted, highlighting the disparity in representation.
Natembeya emphasized that while they’re not against individual appointments like that of Oparanya, the community needs to position itself to allocate such positions in the future.
Criticizing past voting behaviors, Natembeya cited examples of resource allocation discrepancies, such as the Ksh1 billion allocated for roads in Kikuyu constituency compared to the Ksh200 million shared among five Western counties.
He attributed this to a lack of political power stemming from disunity.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Natembeya’s speech took on a sense of urgency.
“Our fate will be decided in 2027. If we don’t get it right this time around, we are completely done,” he warned.
He emphasized the importance of strategic positioning and unity in negotiations for future influential roles.
The governor’s message was clear: the time for change is now. He called on the Luhya community to reassess its political strategy, unite its voting bloc, and actively participate in shaping Kenya’s political landscape.