A new political alliance appears to be taking shape in Western Kenya after Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya hosted senior opposition figures in Kitale, culminating in a public endorsement of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as their preferred presidential candidate.
The meeting, which lasted about 10 hours, brought together members of the Linda Mwananchi movement and several elected leaders from the region. It marked the first formal political talks between Natembeya and Sifuna, two politicians whose influence has steadily grown in western Kenya ahead of the next General Election.
At the centre of the discussions was a plan to build a new political party aimed at uniting the Luhya community, a voting bloc whose leadership has long been divided across competing political camps.
Natembeya said the proposed party would be unveiled in the coming weeks, with a series of public meetings already scheduled across the region. The campaign will begin in Kitale before moving to Bungoma, where organisers say a larger gathering will bring together political leaders and community elders.
“We will have the main meeting in Bungoma where all our key leaders will be present and where our elders will bless Sifuna and the entire team as we start the journey to fight for our people and Kenyans,” Natembeya said.
The governor also revealed plans to visit all 38 constituencies across the western region to rally support for the new political outfit and encourage voter registration.
While positioning himself as a regional organiser, Natembeya said Sifuna would take the lead in building support beyond western Kenya.
“As Sifuna goes out there seeking support from other Kenyans, we will remain here at home to strengthen our unity and mobilise residents for voter registration,” he said.
The Kitale meeting also endorsed Natembeya as the political spokesman for the Luhya community, signalling an effort to present a more unified regional leadership as political realignments gather pace.
Among those present were Godfrey Osotsi, Jack Wamboka and Majimbo Kalasinga.
Sifuna praised Natembeya’s leadership and urged voters in Trans Nzoia to give him a second term as governor.
He also said his travels across the country had convinced him that many Kenyans were looking for new political leadership.
“I want to assure Natembeya and all other leaders and Kenyans that I will not let you down,” Sifuna said.
The Nairobi senator criticised the administration of President William Ruto, arguing that corruption and poor governance had placed the country on the wrong path. Those claims reflect the opposition’s political position, while the Kenya Kwanza administration has consistently defended its record, pointing to ongoing economic reforms and development programmes.
Osotsi described the Kitale gathering as an important moment in the evolving political landscape, saying the alliance could reshape opposition politics as preparations for the next election gather momentum.
Although the proposed party is yet to be formally launched, the meeting signals growing efforts among opposition leaders in western Kenya to consolidate support behind a common political platform and expand their influence nationally.
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