Trans Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya's convoy was attacked last night when he was leaving the requiem mass for the former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati.
The governor was reportedly ambushed by hired goons after arriving at the venue in an altercation that left his driver and two police officers injured.
The rowdy mob allegedly arrived in the company of the area Member of Parliament who had already left the venue before Natembeya's arrival.
The aggressive attack on his convoy quickly followed until police officers intervened, before things got worse.
“Despite this intervention, Hon. Bisau reportedly planted youths along the roadside, who ambushed the Governor’s entourage, pelting stones at his vehicle,” read a statement from Natembeya’s office.
In the ensuing attack, his driver and two police officers suffered injuries while trying to shield the governor. Images seen by Kenyans.co.ke showed the bloody neck wound the driver sustained.
Natembeya called on the local law enforcement to intervene in the matter and ensure that such “disgraceful and barbaric” incidents that aim at instilling fear.
“It is deeply regrettable that Hon. Bisau chose to desecrate a sacred moment of mourning by turning it into a battleground for political theatrics. Such acts of lawlessness have no place in our society and must be met with the full force of the law,” he stated.
“Leaders must rise above petty political rivalries and uphold decorum, particularly during solemn occasions that demand unity and respect."
He, however, assured his county residents that he would not be deterred by the attacks and would continue working towards a safer county.
Due to this daring attack, tight security details have been posted at the Chebukati's ongoing funeral at Kiminini, with screening being done to ensure similar antics do not reoccur.
Natembeya's attack comes barely a week after he was forced to flee from the home of former Malava Member of Parliament Malulu Injendi, where he had gone to pay his respects.
This was after rowdy youth at the Injendi's home started chanting pro-President William Ruto's songs, prompting the governor's security team to lead him out.
