- Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya clashed with a local MP at a prominent politician's burial ceremony
- The confrontation began after Natembeya launched sharp criticism against President William Ruto from the podium
- Supporters of both men surged onto the stage as the standoff stretched beyond 10 minutes
A funeral in Trans Nzoia County descended into disorder on Saturday when Governor George Natembeya and Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau clashed publicly at the burial of former Kenyan diplomat and politician Burudi Nabwera.
Source: Facebook
The trouble began after Natembeya took to the podium and directed pointed criticism at President William Ruto, accusing him of meddling in county affairs. The governor, who had recently clashed with the president over the official opening of the Kitale Market and bus park, used the solemn occasion to air his grievances openly.
"There is nowhere where it is written that the president shall open a market and come with his own list," Natembeya declared from the podium.
Before he could finish, Bisau rose from his seat and moved to cut the governor off, arguing that Natembeya had used up his allocated speaking time and should hand the microphone to the next speaker. The governor refused to back down, and what followed was a tense, prolonged standoff witnessed by mourners gathered to pay their last respects.
Supporters of both men flooded onto the stage, with each faction backing their preferred leader in full view of the crowd. The scene remained volatile for more than 10 minutes before order was restored and Natembeya was allowed to complete his address.
"I'm the governor of Trans Nzoia. I was elected by the people of Kiminini and therefore I'm home. Let the MP sit down," Natembeya insisted during the confrontation.
The governor also used his speech to endorse ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna as the leader of the Luhya community and as the opposition's presidential candidate.
Natembeya's friction with President Ruto and his allies is not new. The two have been at odds for over three years, and tension routinely flares in Trans Nzoia whenever the head of state makes visits to the county.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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