Tensions Rise as Governor George Natembeya Confronts Senate Committee Over Alleged Bias by Chairperson David Wakoli
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya found himself at the centre of a heated confrontation during a Senate Committee session on Thursday, June 5. The meeting, organized by the Senate’s Agriculture, Blue Economy, and Livestock Committee, was led by Bungoma Senator David Wakoli — who quickly became a key focus of Natembeya’s strong objections.
The session, meant to discuss key agricultural matters, took an unexpected turn when Governor Natembeya refused to be questioned by the committee. He challenged the legitimacy of the hearing, arguing that the chairperson, Senator Wakoli, had already shown bias and should not be allowed to lead the proceedings.
At the heart of the conflict was a video recording that Natembeya presented to the committee. The footage was taken during a recent event at Cardinal Otunga Girls’ High School in Bungoma County. The event, hosted by the Kenya Pipeline Company Foundation, was meant to celebrate the handover of a new dormitory facility. However, what caught attention was a statement made by Senator Wakoli at the event, where he appeared to speak in a prejudicial manner about Natembeya.
In the clip, Wakoli is heard telling the crowd that he would personally ensure Natembeya is held accountable once he appears before the Senate. He even encouraged the public to follow the session live on television, suggesting it would be worth watching. To make matters worse, Wakoli compared Natembeya to Barnabas — the biblical figure who was freed while Jesus was sentenced to crucifixion — a reference that stirred significant outrage and discomfort.
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Reacting to the footage, Governor Natembeya expressed disappointment and concern. “A committee chair cannot be biased or appear to represent interests outside of this house. The chair must remain neutral. I am also a Bukusu man,” he told the committee firmly, referencing their shared ethnic background to highlight fairness and equality.
Natembeya argued that Wakoli’s comments proved he had already formed a judgment before the hearing even began. As a result, he called for Senator Wakoli to recuse himself from chairing the session, stating that the integrity of the committee’s work was at risk if the hearing continued under his leadership.
The exchange sparked debate both within the committee and among observers following the proceedings. Many questioned whether it was appropriate for a committee chair to publicly declare intentions of grilling a witness before any formal session had taken place. Others criticized the use of religious references in political discourse, especially when such analogies could be seen as inflammatory or disrespectful.
This public clash has now brought national attention to the Senate Committee’s conduct and raised broader concerns about the impartiality of legislative hearings in Kenya. As a sitting governor, Natembeya’s challenge to the Senate’s process may have long-term political and legal implications, especially if other elected officials begin to question the fairness of parliamentary committees.
The Governor’s pushback has also reignited discussions about ethnic loyalty, political rivalry in Western Kenya, and the role of public forums in shaping public opinion. With both Natembeya and Wakoli being prominent Bukusu leaders from neighbouring counties, their dispute could ripple beyond the Senate chambers and influence regional politics.
For now, it remains unclear whether Senator Wakoli will step aside or continue to chair the committee. However, one thing is certain — the showdown between Governor Natembeya and the Senate committee has added a new layer of tension to Kenya’s already complex political landscape.
Tensions Rise as Governor George Natembeya Confronts Senate Committee Over Alleged Bias by Chairperson David Wakoli
