Chaos in Trans Nzoia as Natembeya, Wetangula supporters clash at funeral

Chaos on Friday erupted in Goseta, Trans Nzoia County, during a burial ceremony as supporters of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya openly clashed.

Police had to intervene as the chaos disrupted the burial ceremony of the wife of former Nominated MCA Phillip Nyongesa, the late Sandra Nyongesa.

This was the first time in months that the two leaders were sharing a podium; Wetangula and Natembeya have not been seeing eye-to-eye, and even openly commented on the Mulembe nation unity and the battle for a kingpin.

“There should be no sacred cows, hii Kenya ni ya amani, tukitaka kugrow tuheshimiane na tukiwa kwa matanga ni kuomboleza,” said Wetangula.

Natembeya stated: “Wanafikiri kuwa kuleta vita wanadhani kuwa huu mchakato utasimama ndio mkoko umealika mauwa, ndio vita imeanza tutapambana hadi pale hii jamii yetu itakuwa liberated...ataleta vita asilete vita lakini hii ndege bado iko kwa runway.”

The sudden turn of events in Trans Nzoia seemingly drew a line between two camps.

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha stated: “Hii maneno tunaona hapa Trans Nzoia kumeharibika….people must stay in peace, and where there is no order it will be brought by fire by force.”

With the wrangles cut short, the burial ceremony programme carried on, with the family of the deceased laying their kin to rest hurriedly.