Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-04-04 09:55:37
The power struggle in Western Kenya between Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has intensified, evolving from a clash of egos to a fierce battle for supremacy in the region. Governor Natembeya made it clear that the rift with Speaker Wetangula is not personal but rather a fundamental difference in opinion and perspective.
In a candid interview with Citizen TV, Natembeya criticized Wetangula for leveraging the Luhya community for personal political gain. He questioned Wetangula’s understanding of the legacy of Masinde Muliro and Wamalwa Kijana, accusing him of exploiting their names for his own agenda without contributing to the development of the region.
The governor also made startling allegations, claiming that Wetangula had tried to dissuade him from entering politics before the 2022 polls to pave the way for his preferred candidate, Chris Wamalwa. In return, Wetangula allegedly promised Natembeya a cabinet position in the Kenya Kwanza government. Natembeya described Wetangula as uncompromising and authoritarian, imposing his agenda and resorting to intimidation tactics when faced with disagreement.
When asked if he would support either Wetangula or Mudavadi if chosen to represent the Mulembe Nation by consensus, Natembeya firmly rejected the idea, criticizing the two leaders as incapable of leading the region forward. The tensions between Natembeya and Wetangula have continued to escalate, with both sides unwilling to back down, prompting concerns about the impact of their feud on the region’s development agenda.
Speaker Wetangula, in response, emphasized his commitment to uniting the Luhya community and the nation, condemning physical altercations in politics and advocating for respect and decorum among leaders. Despite his efforts to downplay the rift, the discord between him and Natembeya persists, raising alarm among political observers about its potential consequences on the region.
Meanwhile, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has been silently watching the power struggle unfold. Speaking in Bomet County on March 31, 2024, Mudavadi emphasized the need for unity and collaboration among leaders to drive development and progress in the country.
As the battle for supremacy in Western Kenya rages on, the future of the region’s political landscape remains uncertain. The divergent views and aspirations of Natembeya, Wetangula, and Mudavadi signal a complex power dynamic that could significantly impact the region’s trajectory. Only time will tell how this high-stakes power struggle will unfold and what implications it will have on the people of Western Kenya.
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