Chebukati’s funeral: Wetang’ula rubs shoulders with Natembeya despite their animosity
In a rare moment of political civility, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya set aside their longstanding rivalry as they came together on Saturday, March 8, 2025, to pay their last respects to former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati.
The funeral, held in Sabata village, Kiminini Constituency, drew a host of national and regional leaders, underscoring the late electoral chief’s stature in Kenya’s political history.
Despite their history of public clashes, Wetang’ula and Natembeya appeared amicable, sharing light moments and even embracing, in images shared by Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka.
The scene was a stark contrast to past encounters between the two leaders, whose rivalry has often played out in public spectacles of animosity and power struggles.
Security concerns and political undertones
Ahead of the funeral, authorities had heightened security, wary of potential disruptions given the politicians’ tense history.
Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi had issued a stern warning on March 6, stressing that security forces would not tolerate any form of political grandstanding or hooliganism during the event.
“We are not going to condone any form of hooliganism, which is becoming a norm in this region where politicians take advantage of funerals to flex their political muscles,” Oyagi declared.
He further emphasized that attendees were prohibited from wearing political party regalia, reinforcing that the event was a solemn farewell and not a political gathering.
The directive came amid social media speculation about possible disruptions, with unverified reports claiming that rival factions were mobilizing supporters to heckle opponents.
Governor Natembeya had earlier echoed similar concerns, cautioning against turning Chebukati’s burial into a battlefield for political supremacy.
“In events that involve Trans Nzoia, allow us to handle them. Reports are circulating that chaos is expected at Chebukati’s burial. We will not fight, but we will not relent,” Natembeya asserted on March 5.
Wetang’ula-Natembeya rivalry
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya have been embroiled in a political rivalry marked by several public confrontations.
Their feud is rooted in Western Kenya’s political supremacy battles, particularly over control and influence in Bukusu majority counties of Bungoma and Trans Nzoia.
Their rivalry escalated in March 2024, during the funeral of the wife to former nominated MCA Phillip Nyongesa in the Goseta area of Kwanza Sub-County, Trans Nzoia.
Supporters of both leaders clashed, leading to chaos that disrupted the burial proceedings.
Police were forced to intervene with tear gas, cutting short the burial of a local leader’s wife.
Following the incident, Wetang’ula urged for restraint.
“Kenya is a peaceful country. If we want to grow as a nation, we need peace and respect among our citizenry,” he stated.
Natembeya, a former administrator known for his outspoken nature, has consistently positioned himself as a reformist leader challenging the status quo in Bukusuland.
He has openly accused Wetang’ula of using his influence for personal gain while neglecting the development needs of the region.
Their rivalry was further highlighted in a Citizen TV interview in April 2024 where Natembeya claimed that Wetang’ula had attempted to dissuade him from running for governor in 2022, promising him a ministerial position in exchange for stepping aside for Ford-Kenya’s preferred candidate Chris Wamalwa.
“He is uncompromising and authoritarian. He imposes his agenda without room for negotiation. Disagreeing with him often results in intimidation tactics,” Natembeya lamented.
Political optics or genuine truce?
While Wetang’ula and Natembeya’s camaraderie at Chebukati’s funeral may have signalled a temporary truce, political analysts remain sceptical about whether the reconciliation will last.
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, both leaders are expected to continue jostling for dominance in the Western Kenya political sphere.
For now, however, the images of Wetang’ula and Natembeya standing side by side in mourning serve as a rare, albeit fleeting, moment of unity in a region often marred by political discord.
Author
Martin Oduor
The alchemist of literary works - a master wordsmith with a proven record of transforming the raw materials of language into a rich tapestry of emotion, thought, and imagination.
View all posts by Martin Oduor
