Government Officials Interrogated Over Funeral Violence

Four government officials from Trans Nzoia County were questioned at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters in the county on Tuesday following violence at a funeral event last Friday.

The funeral was attended by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Trans Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya.

The four officials include a personal assistant to Mr. Natembeya and the Director of County Law Enforcement Compliance Department, Mr. Frederick Ndubi.

Others interrogated include former Kapomboi ward councilor, Mr. Bernard Wanjala, popularly known as ‘Mulipoko’, who is a close ally of Mr. Wetang’ula.

The officials were questioned for over three hours regarding allegations of planning and funding the violence that occurred during the funeral of Sandra Nyongesa.

The deceased is the wife of former Ford-Kenya party special councilor, Mr. Philip Nyongesa, who is also Mr. Wetang’ula’s son-in-law.

Detectives stated that this action is part of an ongoing investigation into the violence that erupted at the funeral, between youth supporting Mr. Wetang’ula and Governor Natembeya.

Mr. Natembeya has criticized Mr. Wetang’ula for allegedly exploiting the Mulembe community for political gain, sparking a strained relationship between the two leaders.

The Head of DCI in the county, Mr. Francis Kihara, declined to comment on the matter but warned that those found guilty would be prosecuted.

“This is a standard procedure. We will take stern action against those perpetrating political violence in the county,” said Mr. Kihara in an interview with Taifa Leo.

For a long time, there have been intense political battles between leaders of the Democratic Party of Kenya (DAP-K) and Ford-Kenya in Trans Nzoia County.

Councilors supporting Governor Natembeya in the county have accused Ford-Kenya leadership of plotting to undermine his administration.

Also, during the funeral of an elder from the Abaluhya community, Ruben Masengeli, in Bidii village, Kwanza constituency, leaders publicly exchanged barbs over political differences between Governor Natembeya and Speaker Wetang’ula.

Tensions between the leaders escalated when former Kapomoi ward councilor, Ben Wanjala, a close ally of Mr. Wetang’ula, accused DAP-K leaders of disrespecting the Speaker.

He warned Mr. Natembeya that his performance would determine his fate in the 2027 elections.

“No matter how much you torment us, you will be judged by your actions in 2027,” said Mr. Wanjala, addressing Mr. Natembeya.

However, some mourners heckled him as he made his statement.

Kwanza Member of Parliament, Ferdinard Wanyonyi, also criticized DAP-K leadership for allegedly disrespecting Ford-Kenya leaders in the area.

“Let’s respect Ford-Kenya as the second-longest-serving party in the country. This is what democracy requires,” said Mr. Wanyonyi.

However, councilors, led by Deputy Speaker of the Trans Nzoia County Assembly Obed Mwale, criticized Ford-Kenya leadership, accusing them of scheming to undermine Mr. Natembeya. He said they were ready to counter such plots.

“As the assembly, we have pledged to cooperate with the governor to hasten development. We are ready to defend him against those aiming to sabotage his leadership,” said Mr. Mwale.

DAP-K Strategy Coordinator Joshua Werunga alleged that allies of Mr. Wetang’ula were plotting to harass Mr. Natembeya and later blame him for not fully implementing development projects.