Former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha and ex-Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa have officially declared their intention to challenge George Natembeya for the Trans Nzoia gubernatorial seat. The announcement was made on Saturday following a meeting with representatives from the Luhyia community to rally support.
Speaking at the event, Wamalwa quoted a Swahili saying, “panapo wazee hapaharibiki jambo”, and a Biblical verse emphasizing dialogue and unity. He explained that while the meeting focused on his community, his campaign will be inclusive of all county residents. “Siku ya leo ilikua kusemezana. We know Trans-Nzoia is cosmopolitan, and we are going to be all inclusive,” Wamalwa said.
The former legislator emphasized that his approach was strategic, targeting one of the largest voting blocks first. “My journey to become the Governor of Trans-Nzoia County has begun today,” he added.
Nakhumicha, who currently serves as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat, revealed that her clan had encouraged her to pursue the gubernatorial seat instead of vying for the Woman Representative position. “From today, I will walk knowing that I don’t just belong to Sitatunga ward or Cherangany Constituency but as a leader for the whole Trans Nzoia,” she said. She underscored that the Kenyan Constitution allows any citizen, regardless of gender, to seek any elective office.
Both Nakhumicha and Wamalwa are allied to the Kenya Kwanza coalition and will first compete for the Ford Kenya ticket before taking on Natembeya, who represents the Tawe movement.
Natembeya, who recently withdrew from the presidential race, is focusing on his re-election under the DAP-K ticket. Known for his criticism of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Natembeya has been actively campaigning across the Western region, targeting both Wetang’ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
In the August 2022 polls, Natembeya narrowly defeated Wamalwa, securing 58,919 votes against Wamalwa’s 79,020. The entry of Nakhumicha into the race signals a high-stakes contest in Trans Nzoia, with political heavyweights gearing up for a fierce battle ahead.
