Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya is at the heart of a simmering political storm, with fresh claims emerging of a well coordinated plot to impeach him. The alleged conspiracy, reportedly engineered by key political allies of President William Ruto, underscores the larger battle for the control of the Luhya political base ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to political insiders, the push to oust Natembeya is driven by a strategic desire to stifle his rising influence in western Kenya. The outspoken governor has in recent months positioned himself as a bold and independent voice within the Luhya community, an ambition said to unsettle those close to State House.
Observers argue that Ruto is keen to ensure no single figure outside his inner circle emerges as the region’s kingpin. With the weakening of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s ANC and the quieting of Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s Ford-Kenya, Natembeya now represents the most potent alternative voice from western Kenya.
In a clear sign that political temperatures are escalating, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei took to social media to call for Natembeya’s impeachment. In a strongly worded post, the senator accused the governor of fuelling tribal animosity, fostering divisiveness, delivering poor development outcomes, and engaging in corruption, all of which, he claimed, are impeachable offences under Kenya’s Constitution.
“Governor Natembeya should be impeached for stoking tribal animosity, promoting divisiveness, delivering poor development, and engaging in corruption. These offences are impeachable under the Constitution of Kenya 2010 for violating Articles 10, 27, 73, 74, 75, and 174,” said Cherargei.
Natembeya’s supporters, however, view the move as politically motivated, aimed at curtailing a first-term governor whose star appears to be on the rise. The governor has not shied away from publicly criticising Ruto, the Kenya Kwanza administration, Speaker Wetang’ula, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi, often painting them as out of touch with the aspirations of the western Kenyan electorate.
Adding to his challenges, Natembeya reportedly faces a cold war with his Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader, Eugene Wamalwa. Insiders hint at growing tension between the two, with analysts suggesting that Natembeya may now command more political clout than Wamalwa across the region.
A section of political analysts have even suggested that Natembeya could be fronted as a running mate to Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka in 2027. Yet, in public statements, the governor has distanced himself from such claims, making it clear that his eyes are firmly set on a presidential bid.
Despite his lofty ambitions, political pundits warn that Natembeya could be biting off more than he can chew. As a first-term county boss, he lacks the numerical strength in the county assembly to withstand a well-orchestrated impeachment. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) holds 12 of the 25 elected county assembly (MCA) seats in Trans Nzoia, while Natembeya’s DAP-K holds just five. Ford-Kenya and ODM hold three and two seats respectively, suggesting that, if united, Ruto’s allies could rally enough numbers to unseat him.
Trans Nzoia remains a politically sensitive and ethnically diverse county. The Bukusu, a community within the Luhya, form the majority, followed by significant populations of Sabaot and Kalenjin communities. Natembeya’s critics accuse him of playing divisive ethnic politics, while his supporters view him as a bold reformer unafraid to challenge entrenched interests.
As the stakes rise, many are watching closely to see whether the impeachment push will gain momentum, or whether Natembeya will survive this early political test and solidify his place as a new power player on the national stage.
