Trans Nzoia Governor, George Natembeya, asserted during an interview with Spice FM on April 9, 2024, that Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi holds little sway in Western region politics, despite his senior position within the Kenya Kwanza government.
Natembeya argued that Mudavadi’s influence among the Luhya community has waned, with many preferring to align themselves with Azimio leader Raila Odinga. He suggested that President William Ruto could leverage Raila’s popularity to gain support from the Luhya community in the upcoming 2027 elections.
Highlighting key leaders from the Western region who were elected under the ODM party, Natembeya underscored Raila’s significant influence among the Mulembe community. He pointed out that in Vihiga County, notable figures such as the governor and senator are affiliated with ODM, demonstrating the party’s strength compared to Kenya Kwanza.
Natembeya emphasized that Mudavadi’s current standing in government is precarious, describing it as mere tokenism. He indicated that if Mudavadi were to be relieved of his position, it would likely elicit little response from the people of Western Kenya.
The governor suggested that for Mudavadi to regain influence, he would need substantial support from elected members of parliament aligned with his agenda within the Kenya Kwanza government.
He highlighted the dominance of Raila’s ODM party in the region, suggesting that if the president sought to engage with the Luhya community, it would be through Raila rather than Mudavadi.
Natembeya acknowledged that historically, leaders in the region had united based on self-interest rather than a common transformative vision. However, he expressed personal commitment to fostering unity within the Luhya community.
These comments from Natembeya followed a public disagreement with National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula, where Natembeya contested claims that Wetangula, often referred to as ‘Papa wa Roma’, is the preferred political leader among the Luhya community.
