Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has described two by-elections in Kakamega county as life-or-death battles, warning that victory for President Ruto allies would lead to more taxes and abductions.
Life-or-death battles set for 27 November
Natembeya declared the Malava parliamentary seat and Kisa East ward by-elections – both fixed for 27 November 2025 – as decisive tests for the Luhya community.
Speaking on 21 November 2025, he told supporters the contests go far beyond local issues.
“We have upcoming by-elections in Malava and Kisa East. For us, they are a matter of life and death for the people of our community,” Natembeya said.
Malava pits Democratic Action Party of Kenya candidate Seth Panyako against United Democratic Alliance candidate David Ndakwa. Kisa East has turned into an opposition flashpoint.
Defeat will embolden President Ruto
Natembeya warned that losses would only encourage the government to tighten its grip.
“If we lose, the move will embolden the president and puff him up with pride. It is why we are committed to defeating him. If we fail, Kenyans will be in much trouble. He will impose more taxes and even continue the trend of abductions,” he said.
He accused President Ruto close aide Farouk Kibet of camping in Malava.
“For us, the election in Malava is not about Panyako and Ndakwa but about Panyako, the president’s aide who has been camping there. Some people from the region are even thinking Farouk is vying in the polls,” Natembeya added.
Natembeya steps back from 2027 presidential bid
During the same address, the former Rift Valley regional commissioner softened his earlier plan to challenge President Ruto in 2027.
Natembeya, who has been mobilising support through his Tawe Movement – Luhya for “No” – said serving people matters more than personal ambition.
“My decision to come to politics was to help people, and that is what I am committed to doing. Ultimately, it is the people who hold the ultimate decision and to whom I remain accountable. I would like them to give me a second term,” he stated.
On 3 October 2025 at Bwayi village in Kwanza constituency, he had claimed backing from over five million voters across western Kenya and beyond, saying only funding stood in his way.
Opposition cracks widen
The remarks come as tensions rise inside the broad opposition coalition.
Despite seat-sharing deals, Natembeya’s Democratic Action Party of Kenya and Cleophas Malala’s Democracy for Citizens Party are locked in a bitter fight over Kisa East, with Malala recently branding the governor a state mole.
With campaigning in the final week, western Kenya’s divided politics are again in the spotlight, with Natembeya casting the by-elections as the first real measure of resistance to President Ruto government hold on the region.
