Mudavadi: We will ensure Natembeya loses Trans Nzoia seat in 2027

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has issued a stern warning to Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, cautioning that he risks losing his seat if he continues to “insult” the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Speaking in Malava, Kakamega County, where he was campaigning for UDA candidate and close ally David Ndakwa ahead of next week’s by-election, Mudavadi dismissed the governor’s recent political attacks. 

Natembeya, who is championing the opposition-leaning Tawe movement in Western Kenya, has been openly criticizing President William Ruto, Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, and ODM deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya over what he terms their failure to unite the Luhya community and advance its interests nationally.

Mudavadi accused Natembeya of engaging in “immature politics” and warned that the government was prepared to sponsor a formidable challenger to unseat him in 2027.

“Let Natembeya and his team do mature and sober politics instead of body-shaming the government, myself, and Wetang’ula,” Mudavadi said. “We represent the Mulembe Nation in President Ruto’s government, and we have agreed that the time for Western to take the leadership baton is coming.”

He revealed that Kenya Kwanza plans to field candidates in every constituency where the opposition currently holds seats, saying the ruling coalition was keen on “sending them packing” in the next general election.

Questions opposition interest in Malava

Mudavadi also questioned why the opposition was heavily invested in the Malava by-election, saying the seat “belongs to the government.”

“You have invaded Malava only to insult us and call the government names,” he said. “You are spreading propaganda, yet you have not offered a single solution or explained what you would do differently.”

He urged voters to ignore the opposition’s message, saying the Mulembe Nation was looking beyond the by-election and negotiating alliances that would help Western Kenya secure the presidency in 2032.

Calls Natembeya a ‘political toddler’

The PCS also attacked Natembeya personally, dismissing his political experience and presidential ambitions.

“You have only been elected once as a governor, and here you are lecturing us on how to run government,” he said. “Remember, we have been in this game long enough; we have lost and won, not like you, who is just a political toddler.”

Mudavadi said the government would not be confined to the Malava race alone, stressing that its larger mission was to ensure Western Kenya produces a president in the future.

Roots for Ndakwa, promises fair poll

With just days to the by-election, Mudavadi told residents to expect a “bruising political battle,” expressing confidence that Ndakwa would emerge victorious.

“It will be a big blow to you when you see David Ndakwa take the oath of office as the next MP,” he said. “Malava deserves peace, progress, and steady leadership.”

He praised Ndakwa as a leader with strong values who could champion development, stability, and unity in the constituency.

Mudavadi assured voters that the by-election would be conducted fairly and securely.

“I encourage everyone to exercise political tolerance,” he said. “The safety and well-being of every voter will be fully secured.”