Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has called for unity within the Luhya community, urging the community to leverage its numbers to gain a more influential voice in national politics.
Speaking at an event dubbed Mulembe People's Assembly, Kakamega Edition, Natembeya lauded the people for prioritising the interest of the community and attending the event.
"We have come to our headquarters to discuss the issues of our community. I want to thank all of you for leaving your responsibilities and coming here so that we can talk."
Natembeya's address focused on the need for the Luhya community to introspect and evaluate its political strategy.
He highlighted the community's large population accusing it of failing to unite and vote as a block.
"Our people, I want us to think about a lot of things as the Mulembe Community, a community that is position two in terms of population in Kenya. We need to ask ourselves where we are when the decisions of the nation are made. Where is the voice for representing the Mulembe Nation?" he posed.
He questioned why the Luhya community, despite its numbers, has not been able to secure its rightful position at the national negotiating table.
"Politics is about numbers. As a community, how have we used our numbers? We could be the ones making decisions if we maximise on our numbers. How come as the second community with the highest population, we cannot even get closer to the presidency? The fifth community has gone before us, the second community is just a spectator," he stated.
Natembeya was critical of the community's historical voting patterns, which he believes have not yielded tangible benefits plunging the region into avoidable political shortcomings.
"The habit of voting for other people and when they succeed, they forget about us. We are saying no. The majority leader Kimani Ichungwah allocated Ksh1 billion to roads in Kikuyu constituency. It is not a mistake. They have powers. For us, we were given Ksh200 million to be shared among 5 counties because we don't have power,” the Trans Nzoia governor explained.
He emphasized the importance of negotiation and political strategy, citing recent cabinet appointments as evidence of the need for a united front.
However, the county boss clarified that the community cannot be on the negotiation table if they do not consolidate their numbers.
"If people don't sit down and talk when the president dissolved the Cabinet, he remained with Musalia Mudavadi and the deputy president because he cannot just be fired like that. When the Cabinet Secretaries were nominated afresh, the deputy president got almost seven positions," he said.
Natembeya called for a collective effort to change the political landscape in the upcoming 2027 elections. "Our fate will be decided in 2027. If we don't get it right this time around, we are completely done. We are not against Oparanya's nomination, let him bring whatever he will get, but in the future, we are the ones to give out these positions."
He concluded with a call to action for the community to register as voters and participate actively in the electoral process.
