By John Mutiso
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has confirmed the withdrawal of his security detail, a move he says he believes is politically motivated.
Officers assigned to guard both his home and his personal movements were reportedly recalled on Wednesday, November 26, at 12 a.m.
In an interview with a local publication, Natembeya expressed outrage over the decision, insisting that it was made at the highest levels of government and aimed at intimidating him.
“I personally blame the President for this because this is a decision made at a very high level, and I know it’s a plan to intimidate me. I have not received any explanation to this effect, and I find it very irresponsible of the government to take away my security,” he said.
Natembeya further argued that security for elected leaders is not a privilege granted at will but a constitutional right that should not be interfered with for political reasons.
“Security to me is not a favour, it’s a constitutional privilege to me as an elected leader; it’s unfortunate, but I will not tear nor accept this intimidation to disrupt my push for unity of the people of Western Kenya and asking questions regarding governance of this country,” he added.
Notably, the withdrawal of his protection comes just days after a violent incident during a campaign stop in Chwele Ward, Kabuchai Constituency, on Saturday, November 22.
Natembeya had been campaigning for independent MCA candidate Erick Wekesa ahead of the November 27 by-election when chaos erupted.
Masked armed individuals stormed the rally, fired gunshots into the air, and hurled tear gas canisters, forcing him to flee for safety.
Natembeya and members of his team later sought refuge at the home of MP Majimbo Kalasinga in Namakhele, but the property was also attacked.
In the aftermath, Natembeya accused National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula of orchestrating the violence, alleging that the chaos was driven by political rivalry.
“This is so primitive; it is not politics. Members of Parliament of Kenya, this is your Chairman doing such things; your leader in the National Assembly is the one doing these things. Sending goons to come and destroy the home of an MP just because they have a different political opinion,” he said.
It is for such reasons that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced that heightened security measures will be in place across constituencies and wards set to hold by-elections.
Speaking to the media, IEBC Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana noted growing tempers in some of areas, prompting the deployment of both uniformed and plain-clothes officers to ensure order during and after voting.
He explained that the competitive nature of the mini-polls has already led to disagreements, adding that the commission’s security plan covers critical hotspots.
“There are competitions going on, so of course there will be misunderstandings and tempers will rise; they have already risen. You will hear several things, but in terms of security, the arrangements we have put in place across all these 22 areas ensure that there is high-level security.
“There will be officers in uniform and additional ones who will not be in uniform, and we are confident that everything will be safe,” he said.
