John Mwangi
Nairobi.
The government on Wednesday withdrew the security details assigned to Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, triggering sharp accusations of political intimidation barely 24 hours before critical by-elections in several constituencies.
Governor Natembeya said his protection was removed without prior notice or explanation, terming the action unlawful and contrary to the National Police Service Act.
In a statement on his official Facebook page, he said state officers are entitled to security irrespective of their political views. “Today, my security detail was withdrawn without any notice or lawful justification,” he wrote.
Senator Khalwale later reported that his own security team had also been stood down. He attributed the move to his open support for an opposition candidate in the Malava by-election and warned of dire consequences if harm befell him or the governor. Speaking to journalists, he alleged a plot to arrest him ahead of the polls and vowed he would not be silenced.
“If anything happens to me or Governor Natembeya, there will be pandemonium,” he said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, addressing the matter in a press briefing, confirmed the withdrawals and accused security officers attached to the two leaders of colluding with hired goons to foment unrest. He said investigations were underway and promised dismissal for any officers found culpable.
Murkomen maintained that security would be provided strictly on the basis of operational necessity pending the outcome of the probes.
The decision comes against a backdrop of intensifying political activity in Western Kenya, where both Natembeya and Khalwale have been outspoken critics of the national administration and have recently appeared at campaign events for opposition candidates ahead of Thursday’s by-elections in Malava, Mbeere North, and other constituencies.
Public reaction online was swift and divided. On X (formerly Twitter), critics described the move as an attempt to weaponize state security, with many recalling President William Ruto’s earlier assurances that opposition figures would not be stripped of protection. Legal activist Nelson Havi called the action against Natembeya “an act of cowardice and stupidity of the highest order.”
As of Wednesday evening, the government had not indicated when security for the two leaders might be reinstated or when the investigations would be concluded.
With by-elections set for Thursday, observers warned that any further escalation could inflame an already charged political atmosphere in the region.