The entry of former Rift Valley commissioner George Natembeya into the Trans Nzoia governor's race has triggered a battle between the Azimio and Kenya Kwanza camps.
DP William Ruto is expected back in the region this week following the latest political intelligence indicating Natembeya’s team was a force to reckon with and could complicate voting patterns.
Natembeya’s team has created a political wave, setting the stage for a two-horse race between him and Kiminini MP Dr Chris Wamalwa.
Indications of Natembeya’s political muscle became clear when one of Ruto's aides, Kakai Bisau, quit UDA and joined DAP. Bisau had shown interest in the governorship and will run for the Senate seat on Natembeya's team.
Natembeya will run through the Democratic Party Alliance (DAP), which is a new outfit causing ripples.
Wamalwa will be seeking a Ford Kenya ticket under the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
Two week ago, Natembeya hosted a major homecoming ceremony after he resigned from the government. The event was well attended, causing jitters in the Ruto's Kenya Kwanza camp.
“It’s true the entry of Natembeya and what he has unveiled for the county is a major shift. It resonates well with many residents of the largely cosmopolitan region," community leader Joseph Wechuli said.
Ahead of Ruto’s visit to the region, his allies led by Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri have been visiting the county. They held several town hall meetings to counter Natembeya and DAP’s strong showing.
“If elected, we will transform in this county so that residents will realise what they have been missing in devolution," Natembeya said.
Natembeya and Wamalwa have lately clashed at several public functions where many residents appear to favour change.
Ford Kenya led by Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula has been dominant in the region but residents accuse the party of poor leadership by outgoing Governor Patrick Khaemba.
The region is mainly inhabited by the Luhya, Kalenjin and Kikuyu tribes, though there are many others in large numbers.
Ruto will be accompanied by Wetang'ula and ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi during the tour aimed at maintaining and boosting the Kenya Kwanza Alliance presence.
Natembeya is supported by key leaders in the county, including CS for Defence Eugene Wamalwa. He is also associated with DAP and has been campaigning for ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Analysts say as the polls approach, the battle between Natembeya and Chris Wamalwa will intensify, like that between Ruto and Raila for control of the region.
(Edited by V. Graham)
