Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has strongly condemned the attack on Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya in Kabuchai Ward, Bungoma County, raising serious questions about the preparedness of security teams in the area.
The incident occurred on November 22 during a campaign rally for independent MCA candidate Eric Wekesa ahead of the November 27 by-election. Witnesses reported that the gathering at a local trading centre descended into panic after loud bangs, believed to be teargas canisters, disrupted the rally. A group of individuals allegedly stormed the venue, hurling stones and attempting to break up the event. Police intervened, escorting Governor Natembeya to safety.
In the chaos, a vehicle and a house linked to a local politician allied with Natembeya were vandalised. Authorities, however, reported no serious injuries.
Matiang’i questioned how such a disruption could happen despite the presence of multiple security authorities, including the County Commissioner, County Police Commander, and regional security teams. “They attacked Governor Natembeya when he was in a campaign rally in Kabuchai. I was in charge of security before; you can’t tell me that the County Commissioner, county security team, County Police Commander, Regional Police Commander, regional security team are not aware of what happened there,” he said.
The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), which supports Natembeya, accused goons allegedly linked to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula of orchestrating the unrest to intimidate voters. The party called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the National Police Service (NPS) to take decisive action.
The attack has heightened political tension in Bungoma, with rival camps trading accusations over influence. Separately, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi warned that Kenya Kwanza leaders would challenge Natembeya’s influence in the 2027 General Election.
Matiang’i’s condemnation has renewed scrutiny on security agencies, with calls for accountability and clarity on how the disruption occurred despite the reported presence of several security officials.
