Natembeya Defies Leaders Who Try to Seize His Mic at Burudi Nabwera’s Burial

Tension erupted during the burial of veteran Kenyan diplomat and former Cabinet minister Burudi Nabwera in Trans Nzoia County on Saturday, October 24, after a section of leaders attempted to interrupt Governor George Natembeya while he was addressing mourners.

The incident sparked a brief confrontation at the funeral, with the leaders reportedly rising from their seats and attempting to take the microphone from the governor. They accused him of taking too much time and delaying the burial programme, arguing that other leaders also needed an opportunity to speak.

However, Natembeya resisted the interruptions and insisted that he had time to complete his address. The disagreement briefly disrupted the solemn ceremony as mourners watched the confrontation unfold.

During the exchange, the governor questioned why the leaders were attempting to stop him, maintaining that the burial programme allowed him more time to speak before the deceased was laid to rest.

“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,” Natembeya said, according to the report.

Police officers providing security at the burial intervened as tensions escalated, helping protect the governor during the confrontation.

The disruption reportedly unsettled the proceedings, with some mourners leaving the venue amid the tension. Following a brief standoff, Natembeya was allowed additional time to continue his address and eventually completed his speech.

Beyond the disagreement over speaking time, the governor used his address to criticise President William Ruto’s administration over what he described as unequal distribution of development projects.

Natembeya accused the national government of neglecting Trans Nzoia County while directing development to other parts of the country. He challenged the President to address the concerns of residents rather than merely claiming that the region was benefiting from government projects.

“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,” the governor said.

His remarks brought the question of regional development into focus during a ceremony primarily organised to honour the life and legacy of the late diplomat.

Nabwera died on October 8, 2026, at his home in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, aged 99. Reports indicated that he had been experiencing multiple health complications.

He held several significant positions during his public service career, including serving as Kenya’s first ambassador to the United States and the country’s first Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Nabwera also served as the first Member of Parliament for Lugari Constituency following its creation in 1988. His career in diplomacy and politics made him a notable figure in Kenya’s public life.

His burial brought together mourners and leaders to pay their final respects to the veteran public servant. However, the confrontation over Natembeya’s speech and the governor’s subsequent criticism of the national government became notable moments during the ceremony.

The incident highlighted the tensions that can emerge at public gatherings when leaders disagree over speaking time, while also bringing renewed attention to Natembeya’s concerns about development in Trans Nzoia County.