Natembeya and Sifuna : The new power pair in western politics

Over the past month, Natembeya and Sifuna have emerged as the leading voices of a younger group of leaders trying to reshape how the Mulembe Nation does politics ahead of 2027.

Around April 21, Natembeya, Sifuna, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi met for breakfast in Nairobi. Nothing official was released about what they discussed, but MP Jack Wamboka later linked it to a wider plan to realign Western politics.

Then on May 27, Natembeya shared photos of another meeting with Sifuna, Osotsi, Kanduyi MP John Makali Wamboka, Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale. His caption talked about “unity, leadership, and national cohesion.”Sifuna responded online with “pole pole tu. Mbele iko sawa”basically, we’re taking it step by step.

These meetings show they’re coordinating deliberately, not just showing up at the same events.

Sifuna has been moving around Western counties under the _Linda Mwananchi_ banner. In Bungoma, his supporters told the press that people are ready to back “Sifuna all the way to State House.” They also announced they’re setting up mobilizers in every Western county to do voter education and community outreach.

Natembeya has openly thrown his weight behind Sifuna. He said his goal is to unite the Luhya community and that if it comes down to Sifuna, _“we shall be behind him.”_ He also praised Sifuna’s criticism of the Ruto government and his _TAWE_ campaign, which targets Mudavadi and Wetang’ula.

That endorsement matters. Natembeya brings county-level influence in Trans Nzoia, while Sifuna brings national party clout as ODM’s Secretary General. Together they’re trying to combine local structure with national messaging.

Western Kenya is projected to have over 3.2 million voters in 2027, so every national player is paying attention. Right now the region is split:

Wamboka has said this younger group is rallying behind Sifuna as a future presidential candidate. He’s also accused Wetang’ula of trying to block new leaders like Sifuna.

Even inside the United Opposition, Sifuna’s popularity is changing things. A recent TIFA poll showed a _Kalonzo-Sifuna_ ticket getting 28% support among opposition voters — second only to _Kalonzo-Matiang’i_ at 31%. Kalonzo has said he’s open to working with Sifuna to defeat President Ruto. Eugene Wamalwa has also said “we invite Sifuna to join us to beat President Ruto.”

At recent rallies, this group has focused on economic pressure. Wamboka pointed to rising fuel costs as a major problem for families and said the government needs to fix pricing urgently.

Natembeya’s Tawe movement is being sold as Western’s pushback against the current administration. His allies say leaders who speak up for citizens “must be supported because they strengthen democracy.”

Natembeya has complained about “the lack of meaningful development in Western Kenya” and criticized leaders who tell people to “wait until 2032.”His message is that the region should organize now instead of waiting.

Sifuna’s team says the next phase is meeting with youth, women, professionals, and local leaders across Western. Expect more events in Trans Nzoia hosted by Natembeya.

The polling on a Kalonzo-Sifuna pairing shows Sifuna is being taken seriously beyond Nairobi. He’s now being discussed as both a possible running mate and a presidential contender.

Not everyone in the party is comfortable with Sifuna’s rise. Some leaders have downplayed his presidential ambitions. But his supporters argue he has the experience and appeal to compete nationally.

There’s no record of a major event at Natembeya’s place on April 28. But the story is bigger than one meeting. Natembeya and Sifuna are acting like partners. They’ve met in Nairobi, appeared together at burials and rallies in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia, and they’re delivering the same message: Western needs new leadership and shouldn’t let a few people control the region’s politics.

Their pitch is simple link local problems like jobs, fuel prices, and stalled projects to a national opposition strategy. With 2027 approaching, they’re trying to turn that frustration into organized support.

The Natembeya-Sifuna partnership is now the main storyline in Western politics. Whether it holds together and how far it goes will likely decide who speaks for the region in the next election.