“You Survive on Ruto’s Goodwill; If He Sacks You, You’re Finished” Natembeya To Mudavadi & Wetangula

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has once again sparked political debate after accusing Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula of leaning too heavily on President William Ruto for survival.

Speaking during a public gathering, Natembeya argued that the two senior politicians have tied their political futures to the offices gifted to them by the President.

He suggested that without Ruto’s support, the leaders would struggle to remain relevant.

“You survive on Ruto’s goodwill. If he sacks you, you’re finished. Both Wetang’ula and Mudavadi are on his payslip. The moment he decides to release them, no one will cry for them,” Natembeya stated.

The governor questioned whether such dependence could genuinely serve the people of Western Kenya. 

He pointed out that the region risks losing its political voice if its top leaders are reduced to appointees rather than independent power brokers.

Natembeya drew a comparison with ODM leader Raila Odinga, whom he praised for maintaining influence without holding any government position.

He observed that Raila’s strength lies in his supporters and the votes he commands, which continue to earn his community development projects and national recognition.

“Raila has no official job in government, yet he shapes major decisions. His influence is rooted in the people, not in a payslip. This is what Western Kenya needs if it wants to secure a lasting stake in national politics,” he added.

The governor’s remarks come at a time when his own party, the Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP–K), is facing internal wrangles. 

His falling-out with party leader Eugene Wamalwa has deepened divisions, with Natembeya accusing external forces—especially Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya—of trying to frustrate his leadership ambitions.

According to his allies, there is a coordinated effort to block him from rising within DAP–K.

The disputes have already been taken to the party’s dispute resolution committee, though the disagreements continue to spill into the public.