Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natenbeya is reportedly recovering from a broken leg after being involved in an accident on Christmas Day.
The news was confirmed by the county's Chief Executive Member in charge of Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Pius Gumo, on Monday, December 29, during former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo's Memorial Service in Bungoma.
The CEC, who did not reveal the nature of the accident the Governor was involved in, said that it was the reason why the Governor failed to attend the memorial service.
In his condolence message, which was delivered by the Gumo, the county chief branded Jirongo as a leader who was truthful, mindful of the interests and well-being of the people of Bungoma county and Kenya at large, throughout his political career.
“I have brought the condolence message of Governor George Natembeya. He got involved in an accident during Christmas, and he broke his leg; that is why he could not be here. He would have loved to be here to console the family," Gumo said.
"On his behalf, I would like to console you and remind you of his message to the family, and recognise Jirongo as a leader who championed the interests of the lowly citizens, and that we as leaders should do the same," he added.
The last public appearance Natembeya made before his accident was on December 24, when he visited the Wamalwa Kijana Hospital in his county.
During his visit, the county boss reportedly cleared bills totalling more than Ksh6 million accrued by patients at the facility, who were mostly mothers.
Natembeya also briefly interacted with some of the patients, as he took note of some of the challenges they encountered prior to their hospitalisation.
Regarding Jirongo's burial, Natembeya was one of the strongest advocates for invoking traditional rites, including placing a torch inside his casket.
Such rites are typically performed when a prominent figure dies under controversial or unresolved circumstances.
During a farewell service of the former Cabinet Minister, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa castigated the government's silence over Jirongo's death, stressing the need for a comprehensive report on the circumstances leading up to his death.
"There was no government representative at the mass. Not even the person who pioneered the YK92 with Jirongo," Wamalwa lamented.
