Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya is fast emerging as the de facto leader of the Luhya community living in the former Western province and other parts of the country. Natembeya has been visiting several counties in Western Kenya, popularising his Tawe Movement. Despite being branded a juvenile in national politics by his critics, Natembeya is now a clear threat to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi‘s dominance in the regional politics. Wetang’ula and Mudavadi have for years been considered the eyes and the ears of the Mulembe nation, with both having vast experience in politics.
Is Tawe Movement popular amongst the Luhya community? Barely two years into his first term as governor, Natembeya has already made a political statement with the launch of his now-famous Tawe Movement. The former Rift Valley regional commissioner has used the movement as a vehicle for consolidating his support base. In political rallies and events meant to popularise the movement, the governor has been clear that the community deserve to sit at the negotiating table. With eyes on the 2027 General Election, Natembeya has been holding meetings with elders from across the region and visiting strategic counties as part of his efforts to unite the community. In late September 2025, he was crowned Luhya spokesperson at Mudete village in Vihiga county, the doorstep of Musalia Mudavadi. Although the coronation was marked by some controversy, the blessings were given to him by the Vihiga Council of Elders. A week later, he paid homage to the legendary King Nabongo Mumia at the Mausoleum in Shiembekho, Matungu constituency. During the visit, Natembeya sought the blessings of King Nabongo Mumia II.
Natembeya recently visited King Nabongo Mumia’s Mausoleum in Kakamega county. Photo: George Natembeya. Source: Facebook On Monday, October 13, he hosted a delegation of over 100 people from Busia county. The event came just days before his scheduled crowning by the Busia Council of Elders as their spokesperson. The event will be held in Busia Town. “These elders, politicians and Gen Zs have seen me through TVs and heard me on radios, and they saw it wise to visit me so that we can have a one-on-one meeting together. Over the weekend, we will have a series of political rallies in Busia county,” Natembeya said during the meeting. According to Oprong’ Wycliffe, the chairman of the Busia Council of Elders, who led the delegation, they are ready to rally behind the county boss. Natembeya recently hosted a delegation from Busia county. Photo: Emanue Tarus. Source: Original Can Natembeya be a force to reckon with in Kenyan politics? Kitale-based political analyst Rose Njenga argues that Natembeya’s political star will continue to shine, and he should not be underestimated. Njenga argues that within a short time, the governor has already managed to elbow the historical political heavyweights in Western Kenya.
“His charisma is way above that of Eugene Wamalwa, Musalia, and Wetangula all combined. He is the next big thing to watch in Kenya,” she told TUKO.co.ke. Similar sentiments were shared by Eliud Lagat, also a political analyst. Lagat noted that Natembeya has risen to the level of the late Masinde Muliro and Michael Kijana Wamalwa. “He will pick up from where Masinde Muliro and Kijana Wamalwa left. I am sure he will liberate Luhyas from slavery because he is young, energetic, courageous and charismatic,” Lagat said. However, other analysts who are inclined to FORD-Kenya consider the governor a toddler in Kenyan politics.
By Joshua Cheloti, Emanuel Tarus
