The bustling town of Kabuchai was thrown into disarray on Saturday, as a campaign rally for Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya took an unexpected turn. Amidst the lively crowd, a group of alleged goons caused a commotion, sending residents into a panic. The incident unfolded as Natembeya was delivering an impassioned speech in support of MCA aspirant Eric Wekesa at a local trading center.
The atmosphere quickly escalated when loud bangs, believed to be from teargas canisters, reverberated through the air. The crowd, startled, scattered in all directions, and Natembeya himself had to retreat for safety. Witnesses recounted a chaotic scene where a group of individuals, armed with stones, attempted to disrupt the meeting, causing a frenzy. In the aftermath, a vehicle and a house linked to a local politician, reportedly associated with Natembeya's team, bore the brunt of the chaos, with broken windows and damaged property.
Despite the unsettling events, no injuries were reported immediately. Governor Natembeya, in a strong statement, condemned the incident as a concerning display of political intolerance. He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stating, 'Political violence should not be tolerated.' Natembeya called upon security agencies to take swift action and restore order, asserting, 'We cannot allow a few individuals to tarnish our democratic process.'
The DAP-K party, in a statement, implicated groups associated with senior political figures from the region in the unrest. They alleged that the disruption was a calculated move to intimidate voters ahead of the local by-election. The party's statement read, 'Governor George Natembeya and his allies, while campaigning for MCA aspirant Eric Wekesa, encountered resistance in Kabuchai.'
This incident adds to the growing political tension in Bungoma County, where rival factions have been engaged in a heated battle for influence and control. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the National Police Service have been urged to investigate the matter and ensure the safety of all candidates in the lead-up to the November 27th polls. The upcoming election has become a focal point of controversy, with the potential for further unrest as the campaign trail continues.
