Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya on Saturday survived what is being described as an assassination attempt after police officers allegedly fired live bullets in his direction during a chaotic incident in Kabuchai, Bungoma County. The governor had joined an evening campaign convoy for MCA aspirant Eric Wekesa George when violence erupted, leaving several vehicles shattered and multiple people injured.
According to circulating reports, tension flared moments after Natembeya’s convoy entered Kabuchai. Witnesses claim that armed individuals believed to be aligned to a rival political faction confronted the procession, pelting stones and vandalizing vehicles before police officers reportedly discharged live rounds — forcing the governor and his team to scamper for safety.
Sources who were part of the convoy say Natembeya narrowly escaped as bullets “whizzed past” his vehicle, with his security detail immediately shielding him and evacuating him from the scene. Several campaign vehicles were left with broken windscreens and body damage as the clash intensified.
This latest attack adds to a growing list of violent confrontations targeting Natembeya and his associates in recent weeks. Close allies have linked the wave of intimidation to escalating political tensions in Trans Nzoia and neighbouring Bungoma counties, warning that the pattern amounts to a deliberate campaign of terror meant to derail his political outreach efforts.
Local leaders and human rights defenders are now demanding an immediate investigation into both the alleged use of live ammunition by police officers and the involvement of suspected politically instigated groups.
Police have yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the Kabuchai incident, but preliminary reports confirm that officers were deployed to “restore order” after chaos broke out.
Governor Natembeya has maintained that he will not be intimidated by violence, insisting that the attacks only strengthen his resolve to continue engaging the public and campaigning for allied aspirants such as Eric Wekesa George.
