Parliamentary speaker Moses Wetang'ula/XNational Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has affirmed that security has been reinforced in Kabuchai, Bungoma county, to prevent any violence that could disrupt Thursday’s by-election.
Speaking on Monday morning during a campaign rally in Chwele–Kabuchai alongside Members of Parliament and County Assembly, Wetang’ula urged residents to vote peacefully and back FORD–Kenya’s Vincent Maunda.
“I assured voters that security has been reinforced to prevent any violence that could disrupt Thursday’s poll,” Wetangula said.
He further emphasised that the nation is closely watching the Kabuchai by-election, reflecting its significance in the political landscape of western Kenya.
The Speaker expressed confidence that Maunda would emerge victorious, a win he described would strengthen FORD–Kenya while exposing those who had turned against him despite his role in their political ascent.
“I reaffirmed that the nation is watching this by-election and expressed confidence that Maunda will win, strengthening FORD–Kenya and exposing the betrayal of those who turned against me despite my investment in their political rise,” he added.
The Speaker’s remarks follow a tense political incident in Kabuchai Ward on November 22, when Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya visited Kabuchai to campaign for independent candidate Erick Wekesa.
The rally, held at a trading centre, descended into panic as Natembeya addressed residents.
Loud bangs, believed to be from teargas canisters, sent the gathering into disarray.
Eyewitnesses said a group of individuals stormed the venue, hurling stones and attempting to break up the meeting.
As tension escalated, police intervened and escorted Natembeya from the scene to prevent potential harm.
In the chaos, a vehicle and a house linked to a local politician allied to Natembeya’s team were vandalised, with windows smashed and property damaged.
Authorities indicated that no immediate serious injuries were reported.
Following the disruption, the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), which supports Natembeya, issued a statement condemning the unrest.
The party claimed the disturbance was aimed at intimidating voters ahead of the by-election and urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the National Police Service (NPS) to take firm action, warning that inaction could escalate tensions further.
Several leaders, including Jubilee Deputy Party leader Fred Matiang'i, questioned the level of preparedness and awareness among security teams stationed in the region, saying the events in Kabuchai were deeply troubling given the structures expected to oversee public order.
“They attacked Governor Natembeya when he was in a campaign rally in Kabuchai. I was in charge of security before; you can’t tell me that the County Commissioner, county security team, County Police Commander, Regional Police Commander, regional security team are not aware of what happened there,” Matiang’i said.
