In a dramatic turn of events, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and his delegation were forced to cut short a campaign meeting in Chwele, Kabuchai, amid gunfire and tear gas, as they backed independent candidate Eric Wekesa in the upcoming Kabuchai–Chwele Ward by-election.
The incident unfolded on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at a rally held in Namakhele. According to reports, unidentified individuals stormed the gathering, triggering chaos with live ammunition and tear gas canisters.
As panic spread through the crowd, Natembeya’s security team quickly evacuated the governor from the venue. Several people in the entourage and attendees scrambled for cover as the smoke from the gas enveloped the area.
During his address before the disruption, Natembeya accused Moses Wetang’ula, the National Assembly Speaker, of orchestrating political violence in the constituency. He claimed that Wetang’ula was suppressing dissent and undermining free political assembly in his home turf.
The governor, who made the trip alongside MP Majimbo Kalasinga and former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, reiterated his support for Wekesa, describing him as a mature and committed leader.
Kalasinga himself has been a vocal backer of Wekesa, diverging from his party lines to fight for what he calls “people-driven leadership.”
This is not the first time Natembeya’s campaign efforts in the area have faced disruption. Earlier this year, his convoy was attacked while leaving a memorial for former IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati. He has repeatedly condemned such acts, calling them “disgraceful” and a tactic to intimidate opposition voices.
Observers say the Kabuchai-Chwele by-election has increasingly become a hotbed for political tension, pitting independent aspirants backed by regional heavyweights against established party machinery.
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