A political war of words has erupted between Kimilili Member of Parliament (MP) Didmus Barasa and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, following sharp accusations over the lawmaker’s claimed crowd manipulation and political mobilisation tactics in Western Kenya.

Natembeya, while speaking during the opposition’s United Alternative Government tour of Western Kenya on Sunday, June 14, 2026, accused Barasa of planning a parallel meeting at the same location as that of the opposition rally, claiming that the lawmaker had paid the crowds to shun the United Opposition’s rally at Naitiri.

Barasa, in response shared via his official Facebook account on Sunday, June 14, 2026, dismissed claims that his political meetings are orchestrated or funded by external forces, insisting that he has built his political presence independently over several years.

“George Natembeya, I was elected to Parliament in 2017. I have been holding meetings across Bungoma alone since 2022,” Barasa stated.

Barasa denies claims of paid crowds

The outspoken MP rejected suggestions that he is ferried or incentivised to attend political gatherings, arguing that attendance at rallies is determined by public interest rather than manipulation.

“I am not like you cowards who only wait for watermelons and Wamashati to leave your county for political outreach programs,” he said.

He added that it was unfair for leaders to blame him for turnout at political events, insisting that citizens freely choose where to attend.

“Blame the people for your poorly attended meeting, they chose where to go,” Barasa stated.

Escalating the exchange, Barasa directly hit out at Natembeya’s political branding and influence in the region, dismissing him as inauthentic in comparison to his own political experience.

“What makes you think I was commanded by someone to do this, or that I was given money before I hold a meeting?” he posed.

“I am coming to Trans Nzoia. I am the real Commando. You are the fake one,” he added.

The remarks have intensified political tensions between the two leaders, who have recently been on opposing sides of regional political mobilisation efforts in Western Kenya.

Barasa trashes opposition

In a further escalation, Barasa suggested that if he were to join the opposition, he would be a leading figure in its presidential lineup.

“If I were to join the opposition, I would automatically be your team’s presidential candidate, with Ndindi Nyoro as my deputy,” he said.

However, he added that such a political arrangement would still fall short of defeating President William Ruto, whom he predicted would retain power.

He further claimed that under such a scenario, he would emerge as the leader of the opposition.

Barasa’s conduct rebuked

Natembeya’s and Barasa’s exchange comes weeks after Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga sharply rebuked the Kimilili lawmaker over his conduct during funeral gatherings, publicly distancing himself from the legislator and declaring a political break.

In a strongly worded statement issued via his official Facebook account on Sunday, May 31, 2026, following a funeral service in Khachonge, Kalasinga accused Barasa of showing disregard for church leadership, bereaved families, and mourners by leaving immediately after addressing gatherings without observing full funeral proceedings.

Kalasinga expressed “profound disappointment” over what he termed repeated misconduct during funeral events attended by Barasa.

“I, Majimbo Kalasinga, together with the church leadership under the guidance of His Holiness Bishop Mark Kadima, wish to formally express our profound disappointment and concern regarding your recent conduct during funeral gatherings attended within the region. Your repeated behavior of departing with mourners immediately after your address in funeral services, while disregarding the church leadership, bereaved families, and the wider community gathered to mourn their loved ones, has raised serious dissatisfaction,” Kalasinga stated.

Kalasinga specifically pointed to incidents at Khachonge during the burial ceremony of Patrick Wangamati, father to former Bungoma MP Wycliffe Wangamati, where he claimed that disorder disrupted a funeral service and left mourners and church leaders embarrassed.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also criticised Barasa over what he called money-driven politics.

At the funeral, the mood shifted when Barasa left the venue with a section of his supporters just as Sifuna prepared to speak.

Addressing mourners, Sifuna downplayed the walkout but used the moment to question what he described as repeated political behaviour he has seen over time.

“Msiwe na wasi wasi huyu ndugu yetu mweshimiwa Didmus tumemzoea. Hii vipindi tumezoea, mimi nimekuwa kwa siasa miaka mingi,” he said, urging the crowd not to be surprised.

Growing political rivalry in Western Kenya

The exchange highlights growing political competition in Western Kenya, where leaders are increasingly engaged in verbal confrontations ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Governor Natembeya has in recent months positioned himself as a key regional voice, while Barasa has maintained a strong presence through grassroots mobilisation in Bungoma and surrounding areas.

As campaigns begin to take shape informally, such exchanges are expected to become more frequent, with Western Kenya emerging as a key battleground region.