Governor Natembeya Chased Away From MP’s Funeral in Malava
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya found himself in a tough situation on Sunday evening when he was forced to leave the home of the late Malava Member of Parliament, Malulu Injendi.
Natembeya had gone to console the bereaved family but was met with hostility from a section of rowdy youth who began chanting slogans in support of President William Ruto. The situation quickly escalated, forcing the Governor’s security team to intervene and escort him to safety.
Eyewitnesses reported that as the chants grew louder, it became evident that the group was targeting Natembeya due to his firm opposition to President Ruto’s government. With tensions rising, the security officers stepped in to shield the Governor and ensure his safe exit.
Videos and photos obtained by newshub.co.ke captured the tense moment as Natembeya’s convoy navigated through the gates of the late MP’s residence, while the agitated crowd continued shouting at him.
Leaders Condemn the Incident
Following the chaos, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa strongly condemned the incident, calling for peace and tolerance. He urged residents to respect all leaders, emphasizing that the late Malulu Injendi was a peaceful leader who deserved a dignified send-off.
“The late Malulu Injendi was a peace-loving leader. From today until the day he is laid to rest, we want his send-off to be conducted with respect. We do not want any form of violence, and I urge all Kakamega residents to embrace tolerance,” Barasa stated.
Natembeya Responds to the Allegations
However, Governor Natembeya dismissed claims that he was chased away from the event, terming the reports as false and misleading.
“No one can chase me out of my own region. Stop this desperate propaganda,” he wrote on his social media platforms.
A source close to Natembeya further clarified the events, stating that the Governor was not forced out but had stepped away to distribute handouts to the youth outside the home. The source explained that this was done as a sign of respect for the grieving family, and it was during this time that the commotion erupted.
Not the First Time Natembeya Faces Hostility
This is not the first time Governor Natembeya has faced such hostility at public events. On January 3, during the burial of Mama Anne Nanyama, the mother of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, he faced backlash after criticizing the government for failing to address key issues affecting Western Kenya, including the rising cases of abductions.
During the same event, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah fired back at Natembeya, accusing him of hypocrisy. Ichung’wah claimed that when Natembeya served as the Rift Valley Regional Police Commander, he failed to act against the same abductions he was now condemning.
“Gachagua orchestrated the abductions just to blame President Ruto. Shame on you, Governor Natembeya. You cannot complain about abductions when you were the chief abductor of Kenyans under the previous regime,” Ichung’wah remarked.
Injendi’s Burial Scheduled for March 4
The late Malulu Injendi is set to be laid to rest on Tuesday, March 4, in a burial ceremony that will bring together leaders from different political factions. It remains unclear whether Governor Natembeya will attend the event following Sunday’s chaotic scenes.
