Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula have been engaged in a high-stakes power struggle for the heart of Western Kenya.
What began as a clash of egos has now escalated into an all-out war for supremacy in the vote-rich Western region.
The latest salvo in this ongoing feud came as Governor Natembeya clarified that the rift between him and Speaker Wetangula is not personal but rather a fundamental divergence in opinion and perspective.
Speaking candidly in an interview with Citizen TV, Natembeya minced no words in criticising the Ford Kenya party leader, accusing Wetangula of exploiting the Luhya community for personal political gains.
"When he claims to continue the journey started by Masinde Muliro and Wamalwa Kijana, does he truly understand the essence of that journey?" Natembeya questioned.
"He is leveraging our people to consolidate power. He rallies supporters by boasting about his influence, yet fails to utilise it for the development of our region," Natembeya asserted, shedding light on what he perceives as Wetangula's opportunistic approach to politics.
The governor further revealed startling allegations, alleging that Wetangula had attempted to dissuade him from entering politics before the 2022 polls, purportedly to clear the path for Wetangula's preferred candidate, Chris Wamalwa of Ford Kenya.
In exchange, Wetangula allegedly promised Natembeya a cabinet position in the Kenya Kwanza government.
"He is uncompromising and authoritarian. He imposes his agenda without room for negotiation. Disagreeing with him often results in intimidation tactics," Natembeya lamented, shedding light on the contentious nature of their relationship.
When pushed on whether he would support either Wetangula or PSC Mudavadi if selected to speak on behalf of the Mulembe Nation by consensus, Natembeya said no.
“I will reject the proposal because it would be manipulation. Where we have reached, the two cannot take us anywhere. You cannot teach old dogs new tricks,” he argued.
Natembeya's criticisms come just a day after Speaker Wetangula broke his silence on the matter.
Refraining from engaging in verbal spats, Wetangula reiterated his commitment to uniting the Luhya community and the nation at large.
He condemned the resort to physical altercations in politics, emphasising the need for decorum and respect among leaders.
Despite attempts to downplay the tensions, the rift between Natembeya and Wetangula has continued to widen, with both sides digging in their heels.
Political observers have raised concerns about the impact of such discord on the region's development agenda.
