President William Ruto’s campaign team in Western Kenya is strategically targeting Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya in a bid to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 general election.
The move comes amid efforts to isolate Natembeya, a vocal critic of the President’s administration.
The campaign team, led by Bungoma Governor and Ford Kenya deputy leader Kenneth Lusaka, met a majority of Trans Nzoia MCAs in Bungoma on Friday, urging them to back Ruto’s re-election.
On January 4, several MCAs had met President Ruto at State House in Nairobi, discussing potential support for his second term.
The strategy appears aimed at pressuring Natembeya, who has declared his interest in the presidency, to reconsider his opposition stance and potentially endorse Ruto.
Natembeya was a prominent figure in the United Opposition during the tightly contested Malava parliamentary by-election, which UDA won in November.
Speaking during the meeting, Lusaka said the opposition lacks the capacity to mount a credible campaign against Ruto, adding the President has the strongest prospects for re-election.
“Re-electing President Ruto will ensure continuity and the full realisation of sustainable development and economic transformation for the region,” Lusaka said.
Savula, another campaign leader, urged the MCAs to use their influence to convince the governor that supporting Ruto is the surest way to guarantee regional development.
He highlighted the President’s record, citing ongoing and planned development projects and increased inclusion of Western Kenya in governance as unprecedented since independence.
The campaign team plans to hold its first consultative meeting with stakeholders in Bungoma county on January 31, before engaging other Western counties, including Trans Nzoia.
The initiative will later cascade to constituency forums and all 295 wards, aiming to package Ruto for re-election based on his administration’s achievements.
by HILTON OTENYO
