NAIROBI, Kenya — January 9, 2026 —Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has emerged as the most influential political leader in the Luhya community, according to a new poll by Infotrak Research and Consulting.

The opinion survey shows that 50 per cent of respondents identified Natembeya as the political figure with the greatest influence on Abaluhya politics, putting him ahead of several long-established leaders from Western Kenya.

Natembeya’s rise reflects his growing national profile following his tenure as a former Regional Commissioner before winning the Trans Nzoia governorship in 2022. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who currently serves as Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, ranked second with 32 per cent.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who is also the ODM Secretary-General, placed third at 31 per cent, highlighting his fast-growing influence in Kenyan national politics. Moses Wetang’ula, the Speaker of the National Assembly, followed in fourth place with 29 per cent, while former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya came fifth at 14 per cent.

DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa posted 13 per cent, while former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala recorded 10 per cent. Mumias East MP Peter Salasya received seven per cent, while Nairobi politician Fred Gumo posted five per cent.

Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale and Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka recorded four per cent and two per cent respectively. The poll found Natembeya’s strongest support in Trans Nzoia County, where 70 per cent of respondents said he holds the greatest influence.

Mudavadi led in Vihiga County, Sifuna topped Busia County, while Wetang’ula dominated Bungoma County.

Infotrak said the survey was conducted on December 29, 2025 using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) among 600 registered voters across five Western Kenya counties, with a margin of error of ±4.0 per cent at a 95 per cent confidence level.