Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asserted that Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula are powerless to halt the growing political wave led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya in Western Kenya.

Speaking on July 31, 2026, during an interview with political analyst Herman Manyora, Gachagua described the current momentum as more powerful than the political surge that swept the region in the 2002 general election.

Unstoppable Political Tide

"Do Mudavadi, Wetang’ula, and Oparanya have what it takes to stop this new wave in the West? Nothing, the Natembeya-Sifuna wave is unstoppable. I know a little Western," Gachagua said.

He recalled his experience as former President Uhuru Kenyatta's personal assistant during the 2002 campaigns, noting how even influential leaders failed to counter the overwhelming political shift then. Gachagua highlighted Mudavadi’s 2002 defection to Kenya African National Union (KANU), backed by the late President Daniel arap Moi and his appointment as vice president, but pointed out that Mudavadi was unable to stem the tide and lost his Sabatia parliamentary seat.

Recent Developments in Western Kenya

Reflecting on the 2022 general elections, Gachagua said he toured Western Kenya alongside Mudavadi and then-presidential candidate William Ruto, which gave him insight into the region’s political mood. However, upon his return about four weeks ago, he observed a significant shift with a stronger wave supporting Sifuna and Natembeya.

Just days before Gachagua’s remarks, Governor Natembeya shelved his presidential ambitions to endorse Senator Sifuna’s bid for the presidency under the Linda Mwananchi movement. The duo has since embarked on a campaign trail across all 38 constituencies in Western Kenya, drawing large crowds and dominating political conversations.

Major Rallies and Political Impact

  • Sifuna’s homecoming rally at Posta Grounds attracted thousands.
  • Subsequent rallies in Kitale and Bungoma counties drew sizeable support.
  • The alliance between Sifuna and Natembeya is viewed as a potential game-changer in the region’s 2027 election landscape.

Political analysts suggest this partnership could unify Western Kenya under a common political agenda for the first time in many years, signaling a significant realignment ahead of the next general election.