Natembeya storms Wetang’ula’s doorstep as Chwele-Kabuchai Ward politics heat up
By Mabonga Makhanu, November 22, 2025Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has stormed the doorstep of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula in Kabuchai to campaign for his candidate, Erick Wekesa, who is vying as an independent against Ford Kenya’s Vincent Maunda.
Natembeya will be joined by Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, who, despite being the area MP under Wetang’ula’s party, has been at loggerheads with the Speaker. Kalasinga has fronted his own candidate to face off with his party leader’s preferred candidate, Vincent Maunda.
Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, who is also a resident of Wetang’ula’s Kabuchai constituency and who has endorsed Erick Wekesa, together with his former deputy Charles Ngome, will also join the campaign trail.
The two leaders are set to hold a series of campaigns in the constituency on Saturday, November 22, 2025, with the major rally expected to take place at Chwele Market, which will be the hallmark of the day’s events.
This has brought the constituency to a standstill, with a large entourage of motorcycles accompanying Natembeya, whose political star in the region appears to be rising steadily. Natembeya first visited the home of Majimbo Kalasinga before they could embark on the day’s events.
Natembeya-Wetangula feud
Natembeya has not been on the same political page with Moses Wetang’ula, who has long been regarded as the region’s political kingpin for the longest.
The first time Natembeya was in the constituency was earlier in the year during the burial of Wetang’ula’s mother, where the two clashed publicly. Natembeya had stated that he often sent money to Wetang’ula’s father, including the last instance when the mother fell ill and needed to be taken to hospital.
These remarks did not sit well with Wetang’ula. When he rose to speak, he strongly rebuked Natembeya, saying he didn’t have to boast about helping his parents.
This is the third time Natembeya has traversed the area, with the second being during a Western Kenya rally alongside United Opposition leaders, where they were stoned at Chwele Market.
Kabuchai Ward by-elections
Natembeya also recently oversaw the stepping down of the DAP-K candidate in the Chwele–Kabuchai by-election in favour of independent candidate Erick Wekesa.
The campaigns in the area have not been rosy, especially given that Kabuchai is traditionally a Wetang’ula stronghold.
This tension recently saw property belonging to MP Majimbo Kalasinga at Chwele Market vandalised by goons.
Kalasinga attributed the attack to Wetang’ula’s supporters. In a recent address, he condemned the incident, stating that he expected the Speaker to take responsibility and apologise, but according to him, Wetang’ula has instead continued to escalate their feud.