George Natembeya Is Political Rooster in Western Kenya, New Poll Reveals

  • On Thursday, January 8, InfoTrack Research released its survey results on the level of popularity of Western Kenyan leaders
  • Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi and Speaker Moses Wetang’ula were among the leaders who were marked
  • Before the 2027 elections, a large percentage of the population of Western Kenya trust Natembeya’s leadership

Nairobi – Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has been named as the most influential politician in Western Kenya.

George Natembeya (right) is the most popular compared to Musalia Mudavadi (left). Photo: George Natembeya/Musalia Mudavadi.
Source: Facebook

On Thursday, January 8, InfoTrack Research released its research results on the political situation in the Luhya community before the 2027 General Election.

Is George Natembeya the most influential politician of the Luhya community?

According to the results of the survey, 50% of respondents said Natembeya is the most influential politician, followed by the Prime Minister of the Council of Ministers Stay Mudavadi with an approval rate of 32%.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna he came third with 31%, followed by Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula, who had an approval rating of 29%.

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“Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya appears to be the most influential leader, as cited by 50% of respondents. His influence extends across counties and population, peaking at 70% in Trans Nzoia County, reflecting the benefits of being in power and his growing national status. Veteran politicians in the region are still respected. Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi was cited by 32%, while Senator Edwin Sifuna (31%) and the Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula (29%) remain important political players. The Minister of Cooperatives and Small and Small Businesses Wycliffe Oparanya is mentioned with 14%, and Eugene Wamalwa with 13%, indicating an organized leadership structure instead of one big authority,” Infotrack said.

Is George Natembeya the leader of the Luhya community?

Regarding the kingdom, 36% of respondents supported Natembeya to represent the affairs of the Mulembe nation while Mudavadi and Wetang’ula came in second and third places, respectively.

“When asked who is defending the interests of the Western region at the moment, 36% named George Natembeya, putting him ahead of his opponents. Musalia Mudavadi follows with 18%, while Moses Wetang’ula records 14%. Other leaders, including Wycliffe Oparanya (8%) and Edwin Sifuna (5%), follow behind. However, 10% of the respondents who were interviewed were of the opinion that there is no clear king in the region,” the report said.

The poll results show that the region is shifting from elder-dominated politics to a more performance-oriented leadership system, where visibility, assertiveness, and visible advocacy are more important than mere succession.

According to Infotrack, the results of the study show that voters in Western Kenya are united in development but are divided in the political instrument they will use in 2027.

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“Overall, the Infotrak poll shows the West region at a political crossroads. Voters are united in development priorities but divided in political institutions. Traditional parties and leaders are still important, but now they are competing with emerging figures and changing voter expectations,” the research firm said.

George Natembeya in his office
George Natembeya (pictured) has been critical of the government. Photo: George Natembeya.
Source: Facebook

Why Natembeya publicly criticized Mudavadi and Wetang’ula

Natembeya’s popularity in Western Kenyan politics took a positive turn following his frequent criticism of President William Ruto’s administration. Kenya First.

He founded the Tawe Movement to defend the interests of Western Kenya, accusing Mudavadi and Wetang’ula of failing in their power.

Natembeya has been blaming senior government leaders for neglecting the people of Mulembe in matters of development.

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