Governor Lusaka Wants Natembeya to Unite with Ruto for Stronger Western Region
Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, who doubles as the Western Region coordinator for President William Ruto's re-election bid, has intensified efforts to bring Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya into the fold of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the broader Kenya Kwanza alliance.
Speaking at his Kamukuywa residence in Bungoma, where he hosted Members of the Trans Nzoia County Assembly (MCAs), Lusaka encouraged the lawmakers to apply their local influence in persuading Natembeya to align with the national government for the sake of regional progress.
He pointed out that prolonged political divisions across Western Kenya have stalled key development initiatives, stressing that a cohesive approach tied to the central administration would unlock faster project delivery and fairer distribution of resources.
Lusaka recounted recent engagements, noting: "Tumekuwa na mkutano na viongozi kutoka Trans Nzoia. Karibu wiki mbili zilizopita, waheshimiwa walikutana na rais na kuna yale mambo walikuwa wanataka itekelezwe kule Trans Nzoia."
He added that follow-up efforts were underway to ensure momentum: "Tulikuwa tunafuatilia na kuona ni njia gani tunaweza kuharakisha kazi zianze kabla mheshimiwa rais atembelee Trans Nzoia."
Highlighting the close ties between the two counties, Lusaka remarked: "Tukiwa magavana wa Western, tulikubali safari ya rais ya tutam, hatutaki Trans Nzoia iachwe nyuma kwa sababu Trans Nzoia na Bungoma ni kama twins."
In a pointed call for collaboration, he urged Trans Nzoia leaders, led by Natembeya, to join forces with other regional governors to avoid isolation and enhance collective leverage at the national level: "Tunataka kuuliza wenzetu na kiongozi wao gavana aje tufanye kazi pamoja asije ajipate ako pekee yake. Sisi kama magavana wanne wa pande huu tutakuwa na mikutano kama hii kuendelea mbele."
The outreach comes as political realignments intensify in Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 general election, with Lusaka pushing for unity under UDA to position the region more favorably for development benefits from the national government. The appeal reflects ongoing attempts to bridge divides and consolidate support for Ruto's second-term agenda in a historically fragmented voting bloc.
