Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya received a warning on the looming danger before his supporters and those of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula clashed at a burial on March 22.
Speaking on Thursday, April 4, Natembeya revealed that he received a call from one of the local leaders who warned him against attending the burial.
The local leader told the first-time governor that there were plans to cause chaos at the funeral.
"On Friday, I received a call from an MCA who told me not to attend the burial because there were plans to cause havoc. The lawmaker said that there was great tension and he was also contemplating missing the burial," Natembeya stated.
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"But I decided that I must attend the burial because the deceased was a county employee. I later learnt that the deceased was related to Wetang'ula so I knew we were all just convening to pay our last respects. However, I also learnt that some youth had been mobilized to heckle ahead of the burial," Natembeya added.
According to Natembeya, he arrived late at the funeral due to county engagements. However, during the process of paying his last respects, Natembeya stated that he was attacked.
"In the process of calming the youth, over 20 canisters of teargas were hurled forcing people to scamper for their safety," he explained revealing that he sustained minor injuries.
Natembeya however condemned the incident noting that the action by police could have hurt the mourners.
After the scuffle Natembeya and his team left and Wetang'ula remained behind and proceeded with the burial ceremony.
Following the incident, several county officers have been questioned following the chaos and he insisted that he is ready to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to get to the bottom of the matter.
Nonetheless, Natembeya ruled out harbouring personal differences with Wetang'ula. The Trans Nzoia Governor insisted that only their agendas and political ideas differ.
