Observing Wetangula's demeanor, surrounded by plush furnishings and an impressive roster of clients, I, a naive village lad fresh to Nairobi's bustle, almost succumbed to the notion that challenging one-party rule's dominance was an exercise in futility. Yet, as time passed, I've come to realize that while eras may fade, character endures. Wetang'ula seems averse to alternative perspectives, resistant to change and appears stuck in the old one-party style of leadership that favoured coercion over persuasion. It's almost comical that he leads Ford-Kenya, a party founded by individuals who championed political pluralism with lion-hearted resolve.
Well, you sound dismissive whenever you mention Wetang'ula, have you recently met, do you speak, if you met now what would you tell him?
In the wake of the 2022 polls, our last conversation revolved around his persistent demand for me to withdraw from the gubernatorial race and await an ambassadorial appointment. I staunchly declined, prompting his assertion that I would fail, as the seat was supposedly reserved for Ford-K. Despite the pressure he exerted, fueled by misinformation suggesting I intended to run on a Ford-K ticket, I remained resolute. Instead, I contested under the DAP-K banner and decisively defeated his party's candidate, Chris Wamalwa. Ford-K's loss was a testament to their decade of inaction in Trans Nzoia.
Since then, our encounters have been confined to informal settings, mainly at funerals. Just recently, at the burial of a politician's relative, our paths crossed again. His followers displayed visible unease, greeting me with palpable tension. Later, I discovered that the bereaved politician had faced backlash for inviting me to the funeral. But should attending a funeral really be a cause for scrutiny or reproach? Despite the animosity, if we were to meet, I would simply offer a courteous greeting and move on. We are the people of Mulembe and our differences are not personal.
The political landscape is constantly evolving. How do you stay informed and adaptable in your approach to governance, you don't have a social media account that is verified?
In today's fast-paced world, staying informed and adaptable is crucial for effective governance. While I may not have had a verified social media account until recently, I have taken proactive steps to bridge that gap. Now, with my Facebook account verified, I'm making strides in embracing digital platforms to engage with constituents and stay updated on current affairs.
However, my commitment to serving my people goes beyond the digital realm. I maintain a rigorous schedule, starting my day early and dedicating long hours, 8.00am to 9.00 pm to addressing the needs of my constituents. Regular exercise at the gym helps me stay alert and focused, ensuring that I can tackle challenges head-on.
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for your Tawe formation, and how do you plan to continue shaking up the status quo?
For the time being, I'll steer clear of political rallies and instead engage with grassroots opinion leaders to gauge their sentiments on the widespread issues addressed by Tawe. These concerns, spanning cyclic poverty, governance inequality, leadership incompetence, and fundamental rights such as education and healthcare, resonate across the nation. Once we've refined our demands through this grassroots dialogue, we'll approach rallies with a clear agenda-crafted by the people, for the people.
You are a political project?
Since stepping into politics, I've embodied the essence of a people's project, guided solely by my convictions rather than external influences. My journey, whether within or outside of government, has been marked by a steadfast commitment to independence, carving out my unique path. While some, especially seasoned politicians, may tout the notion of me being a "project," I believe it's not mere longevity in politics that holds significance, but rather the tangible impact we make.
Could the collaboration between the Luhya and Kikuyu communities, advocated by Jimmy Wanjigi during his visit to the western region two months ago, lead to electoral success if two strong candidates were chosen to represent the alliance?
Politics is uncertain, as it depends on various factors such as voter sentiment, campaign strategies, regional dynamics, and the overall political landscape at the time of the election. I should say the success of such an alliance depends on the support it garners from the broader electorate and whether it effectively addresses the concerns and aspirations of the people. I would not get into such an alliance without the blessings of my people, if they bless me then I feel that the ticket would be unbeatable especially if a Luhya is for the president. Any Luhya, even me.
Lastly, what legacy do you hope to leave behind as governor, and how do you envision your impact on the future of your community?
When my tenure is complete, I hope to hear people say, 'Thanks to Natembeya's leadership centered on the people, we have seen remarkable progress. Without it, we wouldn't have had access to education, essential infrastructure like bridges, and other vital services."