Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has stirred political waters with a bold declaration that President William Ruto should not expect support from the Luhya community in the upcoming 2027 General Election, asserting that even in 2022, the community's backing was significantly overstated.
Speaking at a public function, Natembeya dismissed narratives accusing Luhya voters—particularly in Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia counties—of overwhelmingly voting for Ruto in the last election. He broke down the 2022 Bungoma County vote tally, arguing that out of approximately 240,000 votes Ruto garnered in the region, only 150,000 came from Bukusu voters, while the rest were attributed to other communities residing in the county.
"About 70,000 votes came from the Sabaot Kalenjin community in Mt. Elgon and another 20,000 from other Kenyans living in Bungoma like the Kikuyus, Somalis, and Tesos," Natembeya said. “The Bukusu vote that he got was after deceiving people with a Bible in one hand and constant campaigning from Wetang’ula every week.”
Natembeya, a vocal critic of the Ruto administration, pointed to unmet promises and growing political awareness in the region as factors that will reshape the 2027 political landscape.
“With the Tawe Movement in full swing and our people now more aware of the lies and broken promises, Ruto will be lucky to get even 80,000 votes out of the 650,000 expected to be cast in Bungoma in 2027,” he added, referring to a growing political movement rallying Western Kenya voters against Ruto’s leadership.
The comments come amid shifting political alliances and increased mobilization efforts in the Western region, which remains a critical battleground ahead of the 2027 polls.
Governor Natembeya’s remarks are expected to spark further debate among leaders from the region, particularly those allied to President Ruto, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who played a central role in UDA’s campaigns in Western Kenya in 2022.
Observers now say the 2027 contest in Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia could serve as a litmus test for the influence of emerging regional movements like Tawe and whether President Ruto can retain his foothold in a region that may be slipping from his grasp.
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