In a daredevil move Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who in a tour of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s backyard in Vihiga, has delivered a strong  message of changing political landscape in the region after he was given the greenlight to be the spokesman of communities in western Kenya.

The endorsement of Natembeya on Saturday as the point-man in western Kenya is strong warning shot to Mudavadi and Speaker of National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula – hitherto perceived as the key voices of the region – that political interests change in tandem with changing demographics.

Like the rest of the country, voters in western Kenya are youthful and without sentimental or political connection with the independence generation. To this generation, Natembeya symbolises universality and progressive thinking.

Mudavadi and Wetang’ula are accused of failing to live up to the billing of the mantle bestowed upon by the region.

For nearly two decades since the demise of former Vice President Michael Wamalwa Kijana, the region has remained in state of flux politically, occasionally looking to lean towards former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. However, Raila’s popularity in Nyanza where he has for nearly four decades been the undisputed kingpin and kingmaker, is waning.

Even if Raila were to remain active in politics western was already giving a wide berth for – according to Mumias East MP Petr Salasya – using and dumping the electorate in the region represented by Mudavadi and Wetang’ula.

In the absence of Raila, youthful leaders in western Kenya have moved in swiftly to occupy the void as it becomes obvious Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetang’ula have outlived their political currency in western Kenya politics.

The two political heavyweights face an acid test in Malava parliamentary by-election, where the governing United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is pitted against Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).

High-riding DCP candidate Edgar Busiega Mwanga has signalled he may flip the seat to the opposition. The high probability has stirred Mudavadi and Wetang’ula who have deployed state machinery in Malava to a desperate bid retain the seat.

As the scramble western Kenya peaks, elders in Vihiga County – home to Maragoli, Tiriki and Nyore Luhyia sus-tribes – endorsed Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya to spearhead efforts to rally western Kenya region behind common aspiration in preparation for the 2027 General Election.

Maragoli, Bunyore and Tiriki elders endorsed Governor Natembeya as the Luhyia community spokesman and gave him the mandate to champion the interests of western region.

The crowning event was held at Kiritu in Sabatia Sub-County. The elders said the region has for many years lacked a single voice in national politics and expressed confidence that Governor Natembeya can provide the leadership needed to consolidate the community.

Natembeya is touted as a possible united opposition presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Our people have remained fragmented for long. Today we give Governor Natembeya the blessings of the elders to unite Western and ensure our interests are safeguarded at the national level,” said one of the elders during the event.

Natembeya welcomed the endorsement, saying he was humbled by the trust and pledged to work with leaders across the region to promote unity and development.

“I am honoured by this gesture from our elders. Western Kenya deserves unity and a strong voice in national leadership. I will work with all leaders of goodwill to ensure our people benefit,” he said.

The endorsement comes as political leaders in the region continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 polls.

–              A Tell Media / KNA report / By Rose Wasike