The political tempers in Western Kenya have boiled, with the political war of words turning to fists and stones as clashes between supporters of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and those allied with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya reached a boiling point on Friday, March 22.
The discord, which had been simmering for weeks, finally erupted into physical confrontation as stone hurling marred a funeral gathering in Goseta, Trans Nzoia. Wetangula had attended the funeral when his supporters clashed with those allied to Natembeya.
This conflict traces its origins back to President William Ruto's order last month for the eviction of illegal settlers occupying the Kitale prison land in Trans Nzoia County, sparking a fresh political storm in the region.
Governor Natembeya, a proponent of reclaiming the 2,700-acre land, finds himself at odds with Kenya Kwanza leaders, notably Speaker Wetang'ula, who vehemently opposed the impending evictions, accusing Natembeya of instigating the move.
In response, Natembeya clarified that the eviction stemmed from a presidential directive, asserting it as a national government matter.
"I want to tell Kenya Kwanza leaders to leave me alone," he expressed, refuting allegations that he influenced the President's decision. "I am not an advisor of the Head of State," the governor emphasised.
Affiliated with the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party, Natembeya denied any personal gains from the land dispute, advocating instead for the need to develop affordable housing units.
"I do not stand to gain from this land," he reiterated, underscoring the importance of addressing housing needs in the region.
Natembeya, while acknowledging criticism, defended his stance, asserting respect for leaders like Wetang'ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
"Those criticising me for pointing out political mistakes of top western Kenya leaders are not genuine," Natembeya remarked during a burial ceremony in Bungoma county.
However, his statements didn't quell the discontent among lawmakers from the region, who accused Natembeya of disrespecting Wetang'ula and Mudavadi. Led by Sirisia MP John Waluke, the Western MPs Caucus chairman, they condemned Natembeya's actions, labelling him a hindrance to their efforts to rally support behind the two leaders ahead of the 2027 polls.
"We know who Natembeya is working for by his persistent attacks on Wetang’ula, and soon we shall name his master," declared Waluke during a gathering at St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Malava, where Speaker Wetang'ula was present as the chief guest.
As the battle for supremacy intensifies, the spectre of violence looms large, casting a shadow over the political leaders.
