Natembeya Escapes Attack in Wetang’ula’s Home Turf During Kabuchai Campaign

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya on Saturday, November 22, narrowly escaped an attack while campaigning in Chwele, Kabuchai Ward.

He had joined independent MCA candidate Erick Wekesa to drum up support ahead of the upcoming November 27 by-election. What began as a normal campaign tour quickly turned chaotic after violence erupted in the area.

According to videos shared by Newshub.co.ke, several vehicles—including a police escort—were left with shattered windows.

Witnesses also reported hearing gunshots, causing supporters to flee for safety. The incident has now become a major talking point, highlighting the rising political tension and the increasingly unpredictable nature of the Kabuchai by-election.

Natembeya’s party, the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), confirmed the attack and directly accused groups linked to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula of being behind the chaos. Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya party is backing Vincent Maunda, one of Wekesa’s opponents in the highly contested race.

In a strongly worded statement on X, DAP-K called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the National Police Service (NPS) to take immediate action, warning that failing to act could worsen the unstable political environment.

“Governor Natembeya and several leaders were today attacked while campaigning for Erick Wekesa in Kabuchai Ward by goons associated with Speaker Wetang’ula,” the party stated.

Interestingly, just moments before the violence broke out, Natembeya had openly accused Wetang’ula of fueling unrest in the area.

Their long-standing rivalry has often defined political debates in the region, and Saturday’s events have only magnified the tension between the two leaders.

IEBC had earlier issued a public warning stating that any individual or political party found violating the electoral code of conduct or causing disruptions would face strict penalties, including possible disqualification from the race.

The police had also assured the public that they were fully prepared to protect voters throughout the by-election period.

Natembeya and Wetang’ula have been fierce political competitors for years, each trying to strengthen their influence in Western Kenya.

They frequently criticize one another, and the Kabuchai by-election is now being viewed as yet another battleground in their ongoing power struggle. Many observers believe the vote will act as a symbolic test of who currently holds sway in the region.

The by-election was triggered by the death of former MCA James Barasa on August 4, 2025. Besides Wekesa and Maunda, the contest has drawn interest from other candidates representing the ruling UDA party and the Jubilee party, raising the stakes even further as the region heads toward an important political decision.

BREAKING NEWS:

Governor George Natembeya survived an assassination attempt

While campaigning for a candidate in Chwele-Kabuchai Ward. pic.twitter.com/zpYUpdeEcB

— DP 🇰🇪 (@DanChepta) November 22, 2025

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