Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has recounted how he and Bumula MP Jack Wamboka scaled a fence to escape a group of youths armed with machetes and clubs during the violence that disrupted the Linda Mwananchi tour in Homa Bay.
Natembeya said the leaders were forced to seek refuge inside a fenced compound after their vehicles came under attack as they attempted to leave the area following the political rally.
He said Siaya Governor James Orengo was travelling in a vehicle ahead of their convoy because he was a leader from the region.
“In Homa Bay Town we found a group of youth making noise, but that had no problem with us so we proceeded,” Natembeya said.
He said the situation changed when they reached Ndhiwa, where they encountered a road that had been blocked using stones, poles and kiosks.
“But when we got to Ndhiwa, we ran into problems. We found that the road had been barricaded with huge stones, poles and kiosks, but somehow we went through,” he said.
Natembeya said vehicles in the convoy were then attacked with stones, leaving some windows shattered.
According to the governor, Orengo's team was unable to pass through the barricade and turned back.
He said it was during the incident that Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga was injured after being struck on the hand.
“Bumula MP Jack Wamboka and I were the only leaders left behind in Homa Bay,” Natembeya said.
Natembeya said their vehicle later developed a puncture, but they decided not to stop as they attempted to move away from the area.
“Our vehicle got a flat tyre, but we did not stop. We got to a centre, and we said we would not go past that place,” he said.
The governor said they sought refuge inside what appeared to be an Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) facility and feeding centre, believing the compound would provide them with a safe place.
However, Natembeya said their refuge was short-lived after a group of youths allegedly arrived on motorcycles armed with machetes and clubs.
“But shortly after, there came a group on motorbikes with machetes and clubs,” he said.
Faced with the approaching group, Natembeya said he and Wamboka were forced to climb over the fence to escape.
“We jumped over the fence and went to the other side,” he said.
The governor said they were accompanied by security officers but instructed them not to use their firearms.
He said the group eventually secured a taxi that transported them away from the area to Kisumu.
Natembeya also urged young people who do not support the Linda Mwananchi political movement to stay away from its meetings rather than resorting to violence.
“Just stay at home or if you come, just listen. You could even learn something and join us,” he said.
The governor vowed that the Linda Mwananchi team would return to Homa Bay despite the violence, arguing that abandoning the area would encourage perpetrators to believe they could use violence to control political activity.
