Natembeya Says He Cannot Support Gachagua for President in 2027

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has openly stated that he will not support Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua for the presidency in the 2027 general elections, citing the need for leadership rotation and fairness among communities.

In a TV interview on March 11, 2026, Natembeya described his history with Gachagua, stating that they speak openly about all issues.

“We share history. He was in the provincial administration, like myself. Of course, he rose up to a certain rank, and he went into private business. We speak very frankly about issues affecting our people,” Natembeya said.

Natembeya noted that while they may have differences in opinion on implementation, both share a common goal: taking Kenya forward.

He also expressed sympathy for the challenges Gachagua faced earlier in his career:

“I’m sure he doesn’t want any other Kenyan to go through what he went through, just for speaking out. People, you know, the guy who was sacrificed ostensibly for speaking for the amount, then when he was supposed to be a national leader.”

He recalled how Gachagua was often tasked with delivering messages on behalf of the administration.

“Some of us in the province are very loyal people. When you are told, go and say this, you’ll go and say it.”

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Natembeya Opposes Gachagua’s Presidential Bid

When asked whether he would support Gachagua if cleared by the courts to run for president, Natembeya was unequivocal:

“No, because I believe that the president should rotate,” he said.

He emphasized that the Mount Kenya community has held the presidency for an extended period and that continued dominance risks creating unhealthy competition:

“The Mount Kenya community has had it for three years, almost… If a president just worked well and served all Kenyans, we wouldn’t have this unhealthy competition for the presidency. But currently, there are certain advantages to yourself as the president and the inner circle; everybody wants it,” he added.

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Natembeya also highlighted the sentiments of his community regarding the presidency.

“Many of them are not even very keen on the president and the deputy president. They want that to be taken by somebody else. Even the Molo can take it, and we’ll see how they are going to take it.”

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Rigathi Gachagua and Governor Natembeya
PHOTO/File