A legal confrontation is brewing between National Assembly Majority Leader, Kimani Ichung’wah, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, following controversial remarks made during a burial in Bungoma on January 3. Natembeya has issued a legal demand, asking Ichung’wah to apologise and compensate him, claiming the remarks made at the burial were defamatory.
The altercation began after Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli made statements regarding the alleged abduction of youths in Kenya, accusing some individuals of faking abductions to secure funding from civil society groups. Natembeya strongly disagreed, calling Atwoli’s comments “unfortunate” and urging the government to take action for the release of abducted youths. He emphasized that the issue of disappearances was a serious matter affecting the safety of the nation’s children.
Ichung’wah, while addressing the gathering, rebuked Natembeya, suggesting that as a former regional commissioner in the previous administration, he had knowledge of the alleged abductions and extra-judicial killings. Ichung’wah criticized Natembeya’s criticism of Atwoli, challenging him to share any information about abductions with the police rather than making public statements.
In his demand letter, Natembeya’s lawyers argued that Ichung’wah’s words implied that the governor was involved in criminal activities, including murder and unethical conduct related to the alleged killings of Kenyans and their subsequent dumping in River Yala. The demand stated that Natembeya would proceed with legal action if Ichung’wah failed to apologise within three days.
Ichung’wah’s response, delivered by his lawyer, was defiant. He dared Natembeya to follow through with the threat of legal action, stating that any lawsuit filed would be quickly dismissed. Ichung’wah also pointed out that Natembeya had been present at the burial, smiling and nodding as the remarks were made, suggesting that he had not been offended at the time.
The legal dispute comes at a time of heightened political tension, with both figures involved in a public clash at a funeral attended by President William Ruto and other senior officials. As the legal battle takes shape, the outcome may set a precedent for political leaders who face public defamation accusations in the future.
