Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has hinted at a possible alliance with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua ahead of the 2027 General Election, signaling an early start to high-stakes political realignments that could pose a serious challenge to President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
Speaking during a live interview on Thursday, April 17, Natembeya said he shares common ideals with Gachagua, noting that political enmity should not be assumed.
“He is not my enemy; our ideas align. While we haven’t been in contact, I wouldn’t mind engaging him on matters concerning Kenya’s future,” Natembeya said, while also dismissing claims of backdoor communication as “pure coincidence.”
Their apparent convergence comes at a time when cracks are emerging within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition and voter dissatisfaction grows across key regions. The Mt. Kenya region, home to over 5 million registered voters, remains politically volatile following Gachagua’s fallout with allies of President Ruto.
Meanwhile, the Western region Natembeya’s base is increasingly drifting from its traditional support of Raila Odinga and expressing discontent with Ruto’s government, which many locals feel has adopted anti-people policies such as increased taxation and delayed development promises.
With over 2.2 million voters in Western Kenya, Natembeya’s growing influence could make the region a critical battleground.
Added to this are potential alliances with other influential figures like former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i from the vote-rich Gusii region, and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, whose Ukambani stronghold boasts at least 3 million voters and a consistent record of bloc voting.
A unified front comprising Natembeya, Gachagua, Kalonzo, and Matiang’i could present a formidable coalition, bringing together an estimated 12 million votes nearly half of the 2022 voter turnout.
However, political egos, ideological differences, and regional rivalries remain potential obstacles to such a coalition. Still, Natembeya’s latest remarks offer a glimpse into what could be a game-changing alliance come 2027.
