Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has made startling claims, boldly stating that the government orchestrated an attempt on his life during the burial of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati.
Speaking at a fertilizer distribution event in Trans Nzoia on Friday, March 28, 2025, Natembeya asserted that he is a target due to his persistent criticism of President William Ruto’s administration.
“Serikali sio mzuri, serikali iko na watu wabaya. Juzi kule kwa Chebukati karibu waniue huko. Wakaweka majangili huko… Hapo ndo niliona hii majamaa wanaweza kuniua wakati wowote. Na mimi nimekubali watu yangu bora ata mimi nikienda hii mbegu ambayo napanda kwa roho zenu isikufe, tumeelewana watu yangu,” Natembeya declared.
Translating to: “The government is not good, the government has bad people. Recently at Chebukati’s, they almost killed me. They placed thugs there… That’s when I realized these people can kill me at any time. And I have accepted, my people, even if I go, this seed I plant in your souls should not die, do we understand, my people?”
He further asserted that the government engages in assassinations, stating, “Hio ndo ukweli, hio ndo ukweli serikali inauanga watu mimi najua wanaweza maliza mimi. Lakini ata mimi nikienda, watu yangu mukumbuke Natembeya alituambia kitu fulani.”
Translated to: “That’s the truth, that’s the truth the government kills people, I know they can finish me. But even if I go, my people remember Natembeya told us something.”
Chebukati’s funeral, held in Sabata village, Kiminini Constituency, Trans Nzoia county, on March 8, 2025, drew numerous political figures, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Despite their long-standing rivalry, Wetang’ula and Natembeya appeared amicable, a stark contrast to their usual public clashes.
Prior to the funeral, authorities had heightened security, fearing potential disruptions.
Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi issued a stern warning against political grandstanding, stating, “We are not going to condone any form of hooliganism, which is becoming a norm in this region where politicians take advantage of funerals to flex their political muscles.” He also prohibited political party regalia at the event.
Natembeya had echoed these concerns, cautioning against turning the funeral into a political battleground.
“In events that involve Trans Nzoia, allow us to handle them. Reports are circulating that chaos is expected at Chebukati’s burial. We will not fight, but we will not relent,” he asserted on March 5.
The rivalry between Wetang’ula and Natembeya is rooted in Western Kenya’s political supremacy battles, particularly over influence in the Bukusu-majority counties of Bungoma and Trans Nzoia.
Their feud escalated in March 2024 during a funeral, where their supporters clashed, leading to police intervention.
Natembeya, known for his outspoken nature, has consistently positioned himself as a reformist, accusing Wetang’ula of prioritizing personal gain over regional development.
He further claimed in an April 2024 interview that Wetang’ula had attempted to dissuade him from running for governor in 2022, promising him a ministerial position.
“He is uncompromising and authoritarian. He imposes his agenda without room for negotiation. Disagreeing with him often results in intimidation tactics,” Natembeya lamented.
Natembeya’s recent claims of an assassination attempt have added a dramatic dimension to his ongoing political battles, raising serious questions about the safety of political opposition in the country.
Martin Oduor
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