Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has found himself at the center of a calculated plot designed to derail his political career ahead of the 2027 general election.
The governor, known for his bold “Tawe” brand and defiance of political dynasties, is now the target of an elaborate scheme that blends courtroom tactics, tribal rivalry, and backroom power deals.
Sources reveal that forces within and outside the Western region are scheming not just to stop him but to jail him, permanently removing him from Kenya’s political chessboard.
Political Bigwigs Plot to Jail Natembeya to Save Their Influence
There is a covert plan unfolding against Governor George Natembeya. The goal is simple — jail him before 2027 and end his political rise.
Night meetings in Nairobi have brought together politicians from both the Luhya and Kalenjin communities. These meetings are not about development or national unity. They are aimed at fixing Natembeya in court using corruption charges that insiders say are part of a larger political game.
The plot is backed by powerful names. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi are said to be leading voices behind the strategy. Both have seen Natembeya gain massive support in Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Kakamega, Vihiga, and Busia — areas they consider their political bases.
Their fear? That Natembeya will shift the political power balance in the Western region and render them irrelevant.
According to confidential reports, Kalenjin power barons are exploiting Luhya disunity to secure personal gains. When a motion to impeach Natembeya failed in the Trans Nzoia County Assembly, these operatives activated Plan B — the criminal court route.
Senator Allan Chesang, believed to have been assigned the impeachment mission, failed to deliver. Now, the focus has shifted to using the courts. The idea is to block Natembeya from office for months, allowing his deputy Philomena Kapkory to take over — a power shift that benefits Kalenjin interests.
Courtroom Drama Is a Political Weapon
Natembeya was recently arraigned on charges of irregular payments amounting to over KSh 3.2 million. His accusers claim conflict of interest and abuse of office. However, many observers believe the real crime is his refusal to kneel before political dynasties.
Despite efforts to deny him bail, Natembeya was released on a bond of KSh 1 million or KSh 500,000 in cash. That outcome shocked his enemies, who had pushed the Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga to oppose his release.
Natembeya denied all charges. But the legal battle is far from over. The intention is not necessarily to win in court — it’s to exhaust him, tarnish his image, and keep him from campaigning.
This is not the first time political players have used the courts to silence rising leaders. Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko and former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu were both impeached and blocked from contesting in later elections after being charged in similar circumstances. Natembeya could be next.
Powerful Politicians Plot to Jail George Natembeya to Protect Their Grip on Western Kenya Politics
Natembeya’s straightforward and confrontational style has shaken the old guard. He openly challenges top leaders and refuses to follow their script. That has earned him enemies across the political divide — even within his own DAP-K party.
Those celebrating his current troubles include Co-operatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, MPs Nabii Nabwera, Emmanuel Wangwe, John Waluke, and others from ODM, Ford-K, and UDA. Even DAP-K MPs like Kakai Bisau and Patrick Simiyu are said to be happy with his court battles.
Bisau, who has failed twice in gubernatorial races, sees Natembeya’s troubles as his opportunity to finally capture the Trans Nzoia seat in 2027.
Behind the scenes, a narrative is being pushed — that if jailed, Natembeya will become a political orphan. His supporters will scatter, and he will be unable to run for any office. This would allow old political parties like Ford-K and UDA to reclaim lost ground in the region.
His “Tawe” movement — seen as a grassroots rebellion — has especially unsettled Wetang’ula and Mudavadi. Both fear that if Natembeya is left unchecked, he could become the face of a new political force in Western Kenya.
Battle Lines Drawn as 2027 Approaches
Natembeya has found few allies in the political class. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and Kapchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga are among the few who have publicly stood by him. Senators Boni Khalwale, Okiya Omtatah, and Edwin Sifuna are also said to sympathize with his cause.
However, a powerful caucus of Western MPs has ganged up against him. Led by John Waluke, they claim Natembeya has insulted Speaker Wetang’ula and is dividing the region.
But on the ground, many still see him as the best hope for a new political direction. He won the 2022 governor race with 158,919 votes, nearly doubling the tally of his closest rival, Chris Wamalwa. His popularity, especially among youth and first-time voters, continues to rise.
The fight against him is not about justice. It is about survival. The political old guard fears his message, his movement, and most importantly, his independence.
They failed to remove him through the county assembly. Now, they are trying to jail him through the courts.
But if history is anything to go by, using the justice system to destroy political rivals has often backfired.
As Natembeya fights for his freedom and political future, Kenyans are watching closely. The next chapter in this war will determine not only his fate but the future of Western Kenya’s politics.
