Natembeya recounts jumping over fence, running on foot to escape Homa Bay goons

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has recounted how he and MP Jack Wamboka escaped attackers after their vehicle was immobilised during the chaotic Homa Bay rally

- Natembeya said they were forced to abandon the car and seek refuge at a private compound

- The governor said they later jumped over a fence and ran into thick vegetation as armed youths allegedly pursued them

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has recounted a dramatic escape during the chaotic Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay, revealing how he and Bumula MP Jack Wamboka were forced to flee into darkness after their vehicle was immobilised.

The incident happened on Sunday, August 16, when the Linda Mwananchi team made its way into Homa Bay town after a difficult journey along poor feeder roads.

According to Natembeya, several main roads had been blocked or cordoned off, forcing members of the delegation to use alternative routes as they attempted to reach the town.

He said the team eventually arrived at dusk, only to encounter groups of armed youths allegedly carrying machetes, rungus and other crude weapons who were determined to prevent them from entering Homa Bay.

How was Natembeya's vehicle trapped?

Natembeya said his vehicle, which was carrying him and Wamboka, was among the leading cars entering Homa Bay when it was attacked.

“We were the only two leaders who were left stranded in Homa Bay. We were among the leading cars to enter Homa Bay. However, our car's front-left tyre was pierced and went flat,” Natembeya said.

He said the two leaders initially decided to continue despite the damaged tyre, but eventually reached a point where the vehicle could not proceed.

“We said we were not stopping, but we reached a place where we could not go any further,” he added.

Natembeya said they abandoned the vehicle and sought refuge at a private property that appeared to be an early childhood development centre (ECDE) or feeding facility.

The property had two small structures, a water tank, a gate and a wire-mesh fence, providing the group with temporary shelter.

However, Natembeya said their attackers soon caught up with them.

According to the governor, the youths who had allegedly followed them on motorcycles while carrying crude weapons ordered security guards at the facility to open the gate.

How did Natembeya, Wamboka escape Homa Bay attackers?

Sensing that the situation was becoming increasingly dangerous, Natembeya said he and Wamboka decided to escape by climbing over the fence.

“We jumped over the fence and fell on the other side. The MP fell badly and could not even get up,” Natembeya claimed.

He said the facility was brightly lit, leaving the two leaders exposed even after they had crossed the fence.

“That place was well lit. Even after we fell on the other side and started running, they could still see us clearly. Had they had arrows or bullets, they could have fired at us,” he said.

Natembeya said they eventually disappeared into thick vegetation as they attempted to evade the people pursuing them.

“We ran into the thickets and bushes in the darkness ahead. We were with our bodyguards, but they did not fire any shots because we warned them not to,” he explained.

The governor said the group eventually managed to escape the area and find transport that took them to Kisumu.

“How we managed to get out of that situation and get a taxi that took us all the way to Kisumu is a story for another day,” he said.

How many people died during Homa Bay Linda Mwananchi rally?

The allegations could not be independently verified, although reports from the day's chaos indicated that roads were blocked and several vehicles belonging to the Linda Mwananchi team were attacked.

The confrontation left at least two people dead initially, including a police officer, while dozens of others were injured.

The reported death toll later rose to four after another body was discovered in Oyugis area.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.