Trans Nzoia’s politics took a massive turn as the writer of the famous “Natembeya Unapendwa” anthem decided to switch over to the opponent’s side, giving as a reason that he was disillusioned by Governor George Natembeya—a very heavy impact on the governor’s re-election campaign for 2027.
In the forefront of this announcement was Godricks Wanyonyi, who is the main artist of the song, which not only crowned but also brought him to power in 2020.
He announced his exit from Natembeya’s Tawe Movement and transfer to the Fungua Movement headed by Kiminini MP Maurice Kakai Bisau. Wanyonyi cast his move as a reflection of the unfulfilled promises of poverty alleviation and the likes of service delivery.
In a communication that shocked political onlookers, Wanyonyi expressed that he was “speaking with a sad soul” and accused the incumbent of using public participation as a mere slogan to pretend he was doing good. To him, the iconic song’s plea against poverty was not just an artistic expression—it was a significant call for change that he thinks Natembeya did not fulfill.
The defection has immediately been compared to a political bomb, as it has occurred in the wake of increasing discontent within the Tawe Movement. While some close to the governor assert that Wanyonyi’s exit will have a negligible impact on the governor’s fortunes, critics point out that it is a sign of deeper divisions and growing disenchantment among the governor’s inner circle.
Besides, political analysts maintain that this situation further complicates the already difficult journey of the governor since he has recently retired from the security detail to take his constituency and is faced with strong opposition from national figures who are warning of political consequences ahead of the general elections.
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