Natembeya: The govt nearly had me killed at Chebukati’s funeral
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has made startling claims, boldly stating that the government orchestrated an attempt on his life during the burial of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati.
Speaking at a fertilizer distribution event in Trans Nzoia on Friday, March 28, 2025, Natembeya asserted that he is a target due to his persistent criticism of President William Ruto’s administration.
“Serikali sio mzuri, serikali iko na watu wabaya. Juzi kule kwa Chebukati karibu waniue huko. Wakaweka majangili huko… Hapo ndo niliona hii majamaa wanaweza kuniua wakati wowote. Na mimi nimekubali watu yangu bora ata mimi nikienda hii mbegu ambayo napanda kwa roho zenu isikufe, tumeelewana watu yangu?,” Natembeya declared.
Translating to: “The government is not good, the government has bad people. Recently at Chebukati’s, they almost killed me. They placed thugs there… That’s when I realized these people can kill me at any time. And I have accepted, my people, even if I go, this seed I plant in your souls should not die, do we understand, my people?”
He further asserted that the government engages in assassinations, stating, “Hio ndo ukweli, hio ndo ukweli serikali inauanga watu mimi najua wanaweza maliza mimi. Lakini ata mimi nikienda, watu yangu mukumbuke Natembeya alituambia kitu fulani.”
Translated to: “That’s the truth, that’s the truth the government kills people, I know they can finish me. But even if I go, my people remember Natembeya told us something.”
Further, Natembeya asserted that he would not relent on his criticism of the government despite the threat on his life, insisting that he does not fear the president.
“Kama munataka kunikujia munikujie lakini haki Kenya lazima itendeke. Mweshimiwa rais serikali inamusumbua. Anavunja baraza ya mawaziri kila siku. Inua mkono 2027 achia mtu ambaye anaweza kuongoza taifa la Kenya,” he said.
Translated to; “If you want to come for me, then come, but justice must be served in Kenya. Honorable President, the government is troubling you. He keeps dissolving the Cabinet every other day. Raise your hand in 2027 and let someone capable of leading Kenya take over.”
Natembeya added that;
“Mimi situkani yeye,rais lazima tukuheshimu maana ni rais wa Kenya. He is our president tunampenda lakini lazima tumuambie kama kuna makosa maana rais ni mwanadamu. Anakula chakula kama mimi, anakunywa maji kama mimi, anaota ndoto kama mimi, analala kwa blanketi kama mimi, alizaliwa na mwanamke kama mimi. Tunaogopana kwa nini. Ata mimi sitaki nyinyi wananchi wa Trans Nzoia muogope mimi maana mimi ni binadamu.”
Translated to; “I’m not insulting him; we must respect the President because he is Kenya’s leader. He is our president, and we love him, but we must tell him when mistakes are made because he is human. He eats food like I do, drinks water like I do, dreams like I do, sleeps under a blanket like I do, and was born by a woman like I was. So why should we fear each other? Even I don’t want the people of Trans Nzoia to fear me because I am just a human being.”
Chebukati’s funeral, held in Sabata village, Kiminini Constituency, Trans Nzoia county, on March 8, 2025, drew numerous political figures, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Despite their long-standing rivalry, Wetang’ula and Natembeya appeared amicable, a stark contrast to their usual public clashes.
Prior to the funeral, authorities had heightened security, fearing potential disruptions.
Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi issued a stern warning against political grandstanding, stating, “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.”
He also prohibited political party regalia at the event.
Natembeya had echoed these concerns, cautioning against turning the funeral into a political battleground.
“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,” he asserted on March 5.
The rivalry between Wetang’ula and Natembeya is rooted in Western Kenya’s political supremacy battles, particularly over influence in the Bukusu-majority counties of Bungoma and Trans Nzoia.
Their feud escalated in March 2024 during a funeral, where their supporters clashed, leading to police intervention.
Natembeya, known for his outspoken nature, has consistently positioned himself as a reformist, accusing Wetang’ula of prioritizing personal gain over regional development.
He further claimed in an April 2024 interview that Wetang’ula had attempted to dissuade him from running for governor in 2022, promising him a ministerial position.
“He is uncompromising and authoritarian. He imposes his agenda without room for negotiation. Disagreeing with him often results in intimidation tactics,” Natembeya lamented.
Natembeya’s recent claims of an assassination attempt have added a dramatic dimension to his ongoing political battles, raising serious questions about the safety of political opposition in the country.
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
