The battle for Trans Nzoia County’s top seat in 2027 is taking shape as allies of President William Ruto line up to unseat Governor George Natembeya in what is emerging as a fierce political contest between the Kenya Kwanza coalition and the Opposition.
With the race now crystallising into a three-against-one contest, Governor Natembeya, who still commands significant grassroots support, faces mounting pressure from Kenya Kwanza leaders accusing him of poor performance, divisive politics and failing to work with the national government.
The entry of key figures aligned to President Ruto has injected fresh momentum into the race, signaling a coordinated push to reclaim the county politically.
Among those seeking to challenge Mr Natembeya are Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat and former Health Cabinet Secretary Ms Susan Nakhumicha, former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa and current Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau.
All three have intensified campaigns, positioning themselves as agents of change and aligning their bids with the National Government’s development agenda.
On Sunday, at an event attended by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, Ms Nakhumicha declared she is ready to vie for the governorship during a church service in Chebarus, Cherangany constituency, and both endorsed her bid.
“I am asking the people of Trans Nzoia to allow me to serve them and help solve the problems affecting our people. I will work if given the chance, and these challenges will be addressed,” she said.
Ms Nakhumicha argued that the county has lagged due to a strained relationship between the county government and the national administration. She acknowledged that her decision to enter the race had been met with political pressure but remained resolute.
“I will not be intimidated by political sideshows. I have the personality to be the Governor of Trans Nzoia. It is not about me being a woman, but about my manifesto and my ability to convince the electorate,” she said.
She also called for increased representation of women in leadership, citing performance in counties led by female governors.
“Go to counties headed by women. They are among the best managed, with clear development progress. This calls for greater inclusion of women in leadership,” she said.
Ms Nakhumicha, an ally of President Ruto and Speaker Wetang’ula, has yet to resign from her diplomatic post.
“Our county has serious challenges, especially in the health sector. I am coming in as a mother and a daughter of this county to ensure our people receive better services,” she added.
Mr Bisau, a first-term MP who previously contested the governorship in 2013 and 2017, has also declared his bid, dismissing Natembeya’s development record.
“The Governor has been moving around saying ‘Tawe’, suggesting resistance to development. We are working to change that narrative and open up the county for progress,” he said.
Elected on a DAP-K ticket in 2022, Mr Bisau has since shifted allegiance to Mr Wetang’ula, the Ford Kenya leader and the Kenya Kwanza-aligned camp.
Mr Wamalwa, a former Kiminini MP who was Mr Natembeya’s main challenger in 2022, is also making another attempt after losing with 79,020 votes against Natembeya’s 158,919.
Now chairperson of the Kenya National Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Mr Wamalwa had initially hoped for a role in the Kenya Kwanza administration after the 2022 polls but was left out. He has since fallen out with Ford Kenya leadership.
Kenya Kwanza political leaders have stepped up attacks on Mr Natembeya, linking him to opposition politics and accusing him of undermining development.
“We want change and development in this region. We will not allow it to lag,” Mr Kibet said during the Cherangany event.
The governor has also been criticised for alleged lack of inclusivity, poor healthcare services and weak coordination with national authorities, issues his opponents say will define the 2027 race.
Governor Natembeya has, however, hit back at his critics, dismissing his challengers as political proxies, insisting they lack the influence to shift voter support.
He has also pushed back against calls for closer alignment with the National Government, accusing the National Treasury of delaying and skewing the disbursement of devolved funds to the county.
“I do not need to work with the President for the county to receive funds. This is a constitutional right, and the national government must respect the principles of devolution,” he said.
The governor further claimed he has faced political persecution for speaking out and defending the interests of the Western region.
