By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, November 22, 2025 - Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has blamed National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula for a burst of violence that cut short a Friday campaign stop in Chwele–Kabuchai Ward, leaving a shaken crowd fleeing from tear gas and flying debris.
What began as a routine community meet-up quickly turned chaotic when police discharged tear gas to disperse a group of rowdy youths who had pushed their way toward the rally. Governor Natembeya had been addressing residents from the roof of his vehicle before his security team hurriedly pulled him down and rushed him away as the crowd scattered for safety.
The Governor had travelled to the area with Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga and former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati to drum up support for independent candidate Eric Wekesa ahead of the upcoming ward by-election. What they encountered, he said, was a planned attempt to intimidate and silence them.
Speaking moments after being evacuated, Natembeya accused Speaker Wetang’ula of fuelling political hostility in the region. He criticised the presence of groups he described as “youths armed with farming tools”, saying such scenes had no place in a democratic country.
“You oversee the National Assembly where Kenya’s laws are made,” Natembeya said in a firm, emotional tone. “You should be the first to protect the Constitution, not the one encouraging chaos. People have a right to gather and speak freely.”
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Residents who had turned up in large numbers said they were left frightened by how fast the situation changed. Many were still coughing or teary-eyed as they moved away from the dusty field, some helping young children who had been caught in the middle.
The political tension comes as Ford-Kenya, the party led by Wetang’ula, fronts Vincent Maunda for the seat left vacant after the death of former MCA James Barasa Mukhongo in August 2025. With the by-election approaching, community members fear that more confrontations could follow if leaders do not calm the political temperature.
