Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has responded to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s claims that a political scheme is being crafted to stop him from securing a second term in 2027. The exchange comes as political tensions climb ahead of the November 27 by-elections.
Speaking during an interview on Sunday, Natembeya dismissed Mudavadi’s remarks as baseless, accusing both the PCS and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula of fueling political theatrics that add no real value to the people of Western Kenya.
He urged the two leaders to focus on development instead of what he termed petty political posturing.
“The speed they intend to use to hound me out of office is the same speed they should apply to bring development to our people. The duo (Mudavadi and Wetang’ula) have been in office for a combined 70 years, yet the only special thing they have done is make arrangements to oust Natembeya,” he said.
Natembeya went on to challenge Mudavadi to field a candidate in Trans Nzoia in 2027 and personally hit the campaign trail instead of, as he put it, “staying at home.”
He also dismissed assertions about Mudavadi’s regional influence, saying the Luhya community has long been sidelined in senior government appointments a situation he claims to have helped change.
According to Natembeya, his efforts opened doors for several Western Kenya leaders, including Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli and Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen John Mugaravai.
He contrasted these achievements with Mudavadi’s track record, arguing that despite holding a senior government role, the PCS has not delivered meaningful development even in his home turf of Sabatia, Vihiga County.
“Whatever they are doing and planning is simply noise. Who said I must be Governor? I served this nation for 26 years as an administrator. Even with all their influence in government, they never intervened once for me to be promoted everything I earned was through my service,” he added.
Natembeya also accused Mudavadi of concentrating more on undermining President William Ruto’s re-election bid than on supporting development at home. He advised the PCS to direct his energy toward backing the President instead of seeking to weaken him politically.
Mudavadi had claimed over the weekend that a political strategy was being crafted to “contain” the Tawe Movement leader and stop him from retaining the Trans Nzoia governorship.
His statement came as former Cabinet Secretary and current Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat, Susan Nakhumicha, as well as former MP Chris Wamalwa, announced they would challenge Natembeya in the upcoming elections.
