During his address, Natembeya criticised President Ruto’s administration, accusing it of sidelining Trans Nzoia County in development projects.
A section of leaders surrounds Governor George Natembeya at a burial in Trans Nzoia on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Photo Drama unfolded during the burial of former Minister Burudi Nabwera after a section of leaders attempted to stop Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya from addressing mourners.
The leaders reportedly stood up from their seats and attempted to grab Natembeya’s microphone, accusing him of taking too much time while delivering his speech.
They argued that the governor was delaying the burial proceedings and denying other leaders an opportunity to address the mourners.
However, Natembeya remained defiant and insisted on continuing his speech despite the interruptions, sparking tension at the ceremony.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya addressing mourners at the burial of former Minister Burudi Nabwera on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Photo West TV During the scuffle, Ntembeya questioned why the leaders were attempting to stop him, arguing that the burial programme allowed him more time to address the mourners.
“I am the governor of Trans Nzoia. I know how the programme runs. The programme states that the old man should be buried at 2pm, but it is currently 21 minutes past 1pm. Give me time to finish my speech,” Ntembeya claimed.
Police officers deployed to provide security at the burial quickly intervened to protect the governor as tensions escalated between him and the leaders who wanted him to end his address.
The incident temporarily disrupted the burial proceedings, with hundreds of mourners who had gathered to pay their last respects to the former minister reportedly leaving the venue.
After a brief standoff, Natembeya was given additional time to continue speaking and proceeded to complete his address to the mourners.
During his address, Natembeya criticised President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of sidelining Trans Nzoia County in development projects while other regions continued to benefit.
“We have rejected bias in development by the Ruto administration. We need to tell the President the truth that despite his claims that he brings development here in Trans Nzoia, he should know that Trans Nzoia has for a long time been abandoned while other regions receive development,” Natembeya said.
Former Minister Burudi Nabwera died on October 8, 2026, at his home in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, aged 99, after reportedly battling multiple health complications.
He was Kenya’s first ambassador to the United States and first Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and also served as the first Member of Parliament for Lugari Constituency after its creation in 1988.
