Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-22 15:45:01
The political tension in Western Kenya has escalated, leading to physical confrontations between supporters of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and those aligned with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. The clashes reached a boiling point on Friday, March 22, when stone hurling marred a funeral gathering in Goseta, Trans Nzoia.
The underlying cause of this conflict can be traced back to President William Ruto’s decision to evict illegal settlers occupying the Kitale prison land in Trans Nzoia County. This move sparked a fresh political storm in the region, with Governor Natembeya advocating for the reclamation of the 2,700-acre land while facing opposition from leaders like Speaker Wetang’ula.
Governor Natembeya clarified that the eviction was based on a presidential directive and emphasized that it was a national government matter. He denied allegations of personal gain from the land dispute, instead highlighting the necessity of developing affordable housing units in the region.
Despite facing criticism, Natembeya stood firm in his position and expressed respect for leaders like Wetang’ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. However, his statements did little to appease the discontent among lawmakers from the region, who accused Natembeya of disrespecting their leaders and hindering their efforts to garner support for the upcoming polls in 2027.
The Western MPs Caucus chairman, Sirisia MP John Waluke, condemned Natembeya’s actions and accused him of working against the interests of leaders like Wetang’ula and Mudavadi. The intensifying battle for supremacy has raised concerns about potential violence, casting a shadow over the political landscape in the region.
As the tensions continue to mount, there is a growing sense of unease among political leaders and their supporters. The clashes between rival factions have highlighted the deep-seated divisions and power struggles within Western Kenya’s political landscape. It remains to be seen how this conflict will be resolved and what implications it may have for the future of the region.
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