The burial ceremony of Kenya’s first ambassador to the United States, Burudi Nabwera, was marred by ugly scenes when Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya clashed with Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau over protocol during speeches.
Drama ensued when Mr Natembeya took to the podium and the legislator tried to control the governor’s speaking time. Natembeya lost his cool and told off the area MP, who was the master of ceremonies during the speeches by leaders.
Mr Natembeya warned the legislator against belittling him and ordered him to sit down, prompting both the governor’s security team and that of the MP to move to the podium to calm the situation.
There was a tense moment as mourners supporting different political camps chanted in an attempt to defuse the situation.
A family member of Mr Nabwera intervened, demanding that the governor be allowed to finish his speech.
After delivering his address, Mr Natembeya walked out of the burial ceremony alongside other leaders, including MPs Jack Wamboka (Bumula) and Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai
Mr Bisau, a staunch critic of Mr Natembeya, blamed the governor for attacking President William Ruto , arguing that he was ready to face him in the 2027 General Election.
Luhya leaders at the burial called on the community to field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, saying it was their moment to occupy the country’s highest office.
The leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi Movement rallied mourners as they stood to eulogise Nabwera, championing unity and urging the community to vote as a bloc.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya during the burial of Burudi Nabwera in Kiminini on October 24, 2026.
Photo credit: Evans Jaola | Nation Media Group
“We want our votes to count in this coming elections and that is why we are supporting our son Edwin Sifuna, some of us are being fought because we have ignited a conversation to make the Luhya vote count,” said Natembeya.
He urged the Mulembe Nation to take advantage of the country’s political arithmetic to support Sifuna, whom he said had been widely accepted by Kenyans.
“Sifuna has made consultations with other leaders in the United Opposition and you saw us visit Rigathi Gachagua , we are doing all this to support our son Sifuna to the State House,” added Mr Natembeya.
Mr Wamboka and Mr Kalasinga said they were Sifuna’s foot soldiers in the region, describing Natembeya as the unifying factor for the region.
“We want to warn the government to leave Natembeya alone, we have lost many leaders before without explanation and we want to warn this government to stop its evil plans against Governor Natembeya,” said Mr Wamboka.
Sifuna’s presidential bid
The legislators called on other Luhya leaders to support Natembeya in his bid to unite the community and back Sifuna’s presidential bid.
“Mr Natembeya is our leader and we will rally behind him as we support Sifuna for the presidency, we know that the government is fighting you because you have awakened the Luhya community,” said Mr Kalasinga.
Senior Luhya leaders and elders, led by Luhya Elders Forum chairman Noah Wekesa, Fred Gumo and Musikari Kombo, also declared their support for Sifuna’s presidential bid and called for unity of purpose among the region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“We will unite our people and leaders both in government and opposition to ensure we vote as a block in the 2027 general elections. This time round we do not want our people divided,” said Mr Wekesa.
He promised to work with other elders to unite the region behind one candidate so that the community could vote as a bloc.
Former minister Fred Gumo defended Natembeya against attacks by Kenya Kwanza leaders, arguing that the governor was doing a great job for the people of Trans Nzoia.
DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa said the United Opposition was working on a formula to ensure it produced one candidate to send President Ruto home in the coming polls.
“We are going for a meeting on Monday as the United Opposition for strategy meeting with DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua, all these meetings are geared towards making Ruto a one term President,” said Wamalwa.
“He was a person of stand and high integrity, as his political son and others we learnt so much about leadership and a person who cherished dialogue,” said Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera.
