Trans Nzoia – Governor George Natembeya has fired back at Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi over claims that a political strategy is in place to block him from securing a second term in 2027.
The remarks come as political tensions rise ahead of the November 27 by-elections.
Speaking in an interview on Sunday, Natembeya dismissed the allegations, accusing Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula of engaging in “empty political rhetoric” that does not benefit the people of Western Kenya.
“The speed they are using to try and oust me should be the speed they use to bring development to our people. The duo have been in office for a combined 70 years, yet the only special thing they have done is make arrangements to remove Natembeya,” the governor said.
Natembeya also challenged Mudavadi to field a candidate in Trans Nzoia in 2027, urging him to actively campaign rather than stay on the sidelines.
The governor dismissed Mudavadi’s political influence in the region, noting that the Luhya community has long been sidelined in senior government positions.
Natembeya claims he has worked to correct this imbalance, citing his role in the appointments of key officials from the region, including Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli and Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen John Mugaravai.
Contrasting his contributions with Mudavadi’s record, Natembeya said the PCS, despite his senior role in government, has failed to deliver meaningful development even in his home area of Sabatia, Vihiga County.
“Whatever they are planning is just noise. Who said I must be Governor? I served the nation as an administrator for 26 years. They, despite being in government, never intervened to promote me; it was all based on my service delivery,” Natembeya added.
He further accused Mudavadi of focusing more on undermining President William Ruto’s re-election prospects than on addressing local development issues. Natembeya advised the PCS to concentrate on supporting Ruto rather than targeting him personally.
Mudavadi had previously stated that a political strategy was in place to prevent Natembeya from winning a second term in Trans Nzoia.
This announcement came as former Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, who now serves as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat, and former MP Chris Wamalwa declared their intentions to challenge Natembeya in the upcoming elections.