BUNGOMA, Kenya – Tension flared in Kabuchai on Saturday after a rally addressed by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya descended into chaos, forcing residents and political leaders to flee for safety.
Governor Natembeya had been campaigning for MCA aspirant Eric Wekesa at a local trading centre when loud bangs—believed to be teargas canisters—suddenly rang out, triggering panic among supporters.
The governor was escorted away from the venue as a precaution amid fears the situation could escalate.
According to witnesses, a group of unidentified individuals stormed the gathering, pelting stones and attempting to break up the meeting.
In the fracas, property linked to a local politician allied to Natembeya’s team was vandalised, with a vehicle and a house damaged during the confrontation.
No injuries were reported, but the disruption has amplified concerns over increasing political intolerance in Bungoma County ahead of the November 27 by-election.
Governor Natembeya condemned the violence, terming it a dangerous attack on democratic space. “Political violence should not be entertained,” he said. “We cannot allow a few people to turn our democracy into a battleground.”
In a separate statement, DAP-K accused rival political groups of orchestrating the chaos to intimidate voters and derail the party’s campaign efforts.
“Governor George Natembeya and a host of leaders, while campaigning for MCA aspirant Eric Wekesa, were today confronted in Kabuchai,” the party said.
The incident comes amid heightened rivalry between political camps in Bungoma, where accusations and counter-accusations over influence and control have intensified.
Local leaders have now called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the National Police Service to investigate the attack and guarantee security for all aspirants in the run-up to the polls.
The by-election is slated for November 27.
