Governor Lusaka woos Natembeya to join Ruto camp for Western unity

Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka has stepped up efforts to rally his Trans Nzoia counterpart George Natembeya to join the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) front, calling for regional unity to strengthen cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Lusaka, who also serves as the Western Region presidential re-election coordinator, hosted Members of the Trans Nzoia County Assembly at his Kamukuywa residence, where he urged the MCAs to use their grassroots influence to engage Governor Natembeya and bring him on board.

He argued that years of political fragmentation in Western Kenya had slowed development, saying a united front aligned with the national government would unlock stalled projects and ensure equitable allocation of resources.

“Tumekuwa na mkutano na viongozi kutoka Trans Nzoia. Karibu wiki mbili zilizopita, waheshimiwa walikutana na rais na kuna yale mambo walikuwa wanataka itekelezwe kule Trans Nzoia,” Lusaka stated. 

“Tulikuwa tunafuatilia na kuona ni njia gani tunaweza kuharakisha kazi zianze kabla mheshimiwa rais atembelee Trans Nzoia."

Lusaka cautioned Natembeya against being left out of developments and ongoing engagements with the national government.

“Tukiwa magavana wa Western, tulikubali safari ya rais ya tutam, hatutaki Trans Nzoia iachwe nyuma kwa sababu Trans Nzoia na Bungoma ni kama twins,” he said.

In a direct appeal to Trans Nzoia’s leadership, Lusaka called on Governor Natembeya to work closely with fellow county bosses in the region, arguing that unity would strengthen the region’s bargaining power.

“Tunataka kuuliza wenzetu na kiongozi wao gavana aje tufanye kazi pamoja asije ajipate ako pekee yake. Sisi kama magavana wanne wa pande huu tutakuwa na mikutano kama hii kuendelea mbele,” Lusaka said.

The remarks come as the political landscape in the country is shaping up as leaders reposition themselves and build alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election.