Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has emerged as the most influential political figure within the Abaluhya community, according to a new Infotrak Research & Consulting opinion poll, highlighting shifting power dynamics in Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The survey, conducted on 29 December 2025, shows 50 per cent of respondents identifying Natembeya as the leader with the greatest influence in Abaluhya politics. He is followed by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi at 32 per cent, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna at 31 per cent, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula at 29 per cent. Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa trail with 14 per cent and 13 per cent respectively.
The poll sampled 600 registered voters aged 18 and above from the Luhya community across Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia and Vihiga counties, recording a 100 per cent response rate.
Beyond leadership influence, the findings point to evolving party loyalties in the vote-rich region. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leads in party preference with 25 per cent support, followed closely by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) at 20 per cent, while the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) garnered 7 per cent. Other parties attracted comparatively lower backing.
On key voter concerns, respondents ranked roads and infrastructure as their top priority at 21 per cent, with the cost of living following at 17 per cent, underscoring the development and economic pressures shaping political choices in Western Kenya.
The survey also measured presidential preferences, placing President William Ruto in the lead with 25 per cent support among respondents. Fred Matiang’i followed at 15 per cent, while George Natembeya posted 13 per cent, further underlining his growing political stature. Kalonzo Musyoka and Babu Owino trailed with 8 per cent and 3 per cent respectively.
Analysts say the poll paints a picture of a highly competitive and fluid political landscape in Western Kenya, where traditional kingpins face mounting pressure from emerging leaders, and party dominance is increasingly shaped by performance, regional interests and economic realities as the country edges closer to 2027.
