Trans Nzoia Governor Natembeya Escapes Attack at Chwele-Kabuchai Campaign Rally
This is not the first time Natembeya faces threats in public engagements. In January this year, his convoy was ambushed and left his driver and security officers injured
Security personnel quickly whisked Natembeya and his entourage away for safety. Photo/Courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya escaped unscathed on November 22, 2025, after his campaign rally in Chwele-Kabuchai Ward, Bungoma County, was violently disrupted. The rally descended into chaos after unidentified assailants fired live bullets and deployed tear gas, forcing the governor to cut short his speech and flee the scene.
The incident happened in Namakhele, where Governor Natembeya was addressing his supporters in the company of several political leaders, among them the area Member of Parliament and former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati Kalasinga. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers shot several rounds in the air before hurling tear gas into the meeting, causing fear among those in attendance and sending crowds scurrying for cover. Security personnel quickly whisked Natembeya and his entourage away for safety.
Before the altercation, Governor Natembeya had publicly accused Speaker Moses Wetang’ula of destabilizing democratic processes in the region. Natembeya accused the Speaker of suppressing dissent and hindering fair competition in Kabuchai constituency. The governor also mentioned prior incidences of political violence in the region, including an attack on his motorcade when he was touring the region as part of the United Opposition.
The attack has elicited widespread condemnation from political leaders and civil society organisations. Many have called for a thorough investigation into the violent incident, including possible collusion of political actors in acts of intimidation.
He said in the aftermath that he was greatly worried by the increase in political violence, adding that such would not daunt his campaign or silence him; and then called for law enforcement agencies to take decisive action and bring responsible persons to book.
This is not the first time Natembeya faces threats in public engagements. In January this year, his convoy was ambushed and left his driver and security officers injured. He also once fled a gathering in the home of late MP Malulu Injendi after rowdy youths reportedly shouted pro-government slogans. Despite these challenges, Natembeya has consistently urged peace and an end to political thuggery, adding that it undermines democratic institutions and processes.
The Chwele-Kabuchai incident renews concerns about political tolerance in Western Kenya amidst upcoming national and local elections. Analysts say that aggression and intimidation, if not checked, could threaten not just the safety of individuals but also the democratic process.
Governor Natembeya’s case puts into perspective the level of risks public officials face in highly competitive political environments, amid pressing calls for enhanced security and strict adherence to the rule of law in the protection of political actors and democratic freedoms. Authorities are reportedly investigating the attack, and political observers are closely monitoring the situation for any further escalations.
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