Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya on Saturday, November 22, narrowly escaped an attack in Chwele, Kabuchai Ward, while campaigning for independent MCA candidate Erick Wekesa ahead of the November 27 by-election.
Footage seen by Kenyans.co.ke shows vehicles, including a police escort, with shattered windows as chaos erupted following reports of gunshots that sent supporters fleeing.
The confrontation has further intensified political tensions in the area, highlighting growing fears over the security of the upcoming poll.
Chaos in Kabuchai as Governor Natembeya Survives Attack While Campaigning. Photo: Courtesy.
Natembeya’s Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) confirmed the incident, accusing goons allegedly allied to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula of orchestrating the violence. Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya party is backing Wekesa’s rival, Vincent Maunda.
In a statement posted on X, DAP-K called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the National Police Service (NPS) to intervene, cautioning that failure to act could fuel further unrest in the hotly contested ward.
The IEBC had earlier cautioned that any individual or political party found breaching the electoral code of conduct or instigating violence would face stern action, including possible disqualification from the by-election.
The National Police Service also issued a separate statement, assuring residents that adequate security measures had been put in place to guarantee their safety throughout the by-election period.
