Why Western remains a critical region despite unmet promises

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya's Tawe Movement is pushing for an independent political path. [File, Standard] Despite millions of unfulfilled electoral promises, the Western region is a vital voting bloc in Kenya's political landscape. And as the country hurtles noisily towards the 2027 General Election, the region has once again become a point of focus as all political formations put their best foot forward in a bid to win over the region. This pattern resurfaced recently when opposition leaders toured the region, pledging a fresh wave of promises ahead of the elections. Historically, the region, largely inhabited by the Luhya community, has often straddled the political divide, with some leaders aligning with the government while others backing the opposition. This dual alignment has made it a contested battleground, drawing significant attention every election season. The opposition, sensing opportunity, has made Western Kenya a priority in its early 2027 campaigns. Early this month, a team of senior politicians embarked on a two-day tour across Vihiga, Kakamega, Bungoma, and Trans Nzoia counties. The delegation was led by former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) boss Eugene Wamalwa, and former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi. Throughout the rallies, the leaders urged residents to support their coalition, branding it "the real change the region deserves." With over 2.2 million registered voters in the 2022 IEBC register, Western Kenya remains too significant for any serious presidential contender to ignore in 2027. Politicians across the divide continue to dangle promises in a bid to win the bloc's support. Frustration is, however, mounting among residents who feel that political pledges are repeatedly broken. "Since the advent of multi-partyism in 1992, we have had seven general elections. Every time, Western Kenya gets promises, but they are never fulfilled. We are getting tired," said Maxwell Chanzu, an opinion leader from Majengo, Vihiga County. His sentiments reflect a growing mood that is seemingly fueling support for leaders aligned with the emerging opposition-backed Tawe Movement. Tawe is the Luhya word for 'No'. The movement, led by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, is pushing for an independent political path and is seeking to deliver genuine change if it succeeds in unseating President William Ruto. Natembeya is especially critical of the much-publicized 30 per cent power-sharing agreement that the region struck with Ruto ahead of the 2022 elections, an agreement that has reportedly failed to deliver tangible results. Meanwhile, the region's once-thriving sugar industry continues to collapse. "As a region, we need more than recycled promises we have heard year after year, regime after regime. We demand respect and equal opportunities like any other region," Natembeya said. The former regional commissioner vowed to steer Western Kenya in a new political direction, free from the influence of President WilliamRuto, ODM leader Raila Odinga, Mudavadi, and Wetang'ula. "It is three years into the Kenya Kwanza government, and we are still hearing the same refrain: 'We will do, we will plan,'" he said, accusing the administration of sidelining the region. Natembeya emphasized that the message of the Tawe Movement stems not only from unmet promises under Ruto's administration but also from decades of neglect under previous regimes. "We have leaders who go silent after securing government appointments. This silence has cost us. It is time we demand our rightful place in Kenya's leadership," Natembeya said. The region has so far produced three Vice Presidents: Musalia Mudavadi, the late Michael Kijana Wamalwa, and Moody Awor.

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