Elachi calls on Western leaders to unite and end political confusion

There is an urgent need to end the political confusion in Western Kenya if the region has to be part of the country’s development agenda.

Dagoretti North Member of Parliament Beatrice Elachi has warned the emerging differences could plunge the region in jeopardy and isolate locals from the country’s development agenda.

Elachi has called on Western Kenya leaders to forge a united front ahead of the 2027 General Election.

She spoked during the economic empowerment event in Kanduyi, Bungoma County, on Saturday.

She singled out the already emerging differences between Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, calling on the duo to set aside political differences and work together with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

She also challenged Wetangula and Mudavadi to show leadership and direct the region with authority without creating confusion.

“Papa wa Roma (nickname often associated with Wetangula), Musalia, Oparanya, Natembeya, Eugene — unite! If you love Western, stop taking us around in circles. Converge and speak with one voice,” Elachi said in the rally.

Elachi emphasised that the Luhya community holds significant political weight that has been underutilised due to fragmentation and internal rivalry.

The MP expressed confidence that, with political maturity and a well-coordinated strategy, the Luhya community could mobilise a strong voter turnout and take a central role in shaping Kenya’s national political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

She voiced optimism about the region’s political future, noting that with the exemplary leadership and unity, the community stands a real chance of mounting a credible challenge for the presidency.

Elachi underscored the importance of a cohesive Western voting bloc, stating that it would significantly enhance the region’s influence and ensure its voice is firmly heard in national decision-making.

Her remarks also follow heightened political activity in the region, where Speaker Wetang’ula received an open endorsement from President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, among other leaders allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

Speaking at the same event, Kibet praised Wetang’ula’s leadership and hinted that he was being prepared for higher office.

“After President William Ruto, God willing, the future of Kenya lies here in Bungoma. Papa wa Roma is in rehearsal right now. We want him to carry the Kenyan flag one day,” said Kibet.

Her appeal comes amid a fast-evolving political landscape, where early signs of realignment are already beginning to shape the 2027 race.

Governor Natembeya and former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa, both influential figures in Western Kenya, have recently stepped up their political activities, with Natembeya positioning himself as a reformist voice and Wamalwa maintaining a strong foothold through the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K)