Natembeya Security Detail Dramatically Withdrawn
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has confirmed that his security detail has been withdrawn, a decision he believes is driven by political motives.
Reports indicate that the officers assigned to protect his home and accompany him were called back on Wednesday, November 26, at midnight.
In a conversation with a local news outlet, Natembeya voiced his anger over this move, claiming it was orchestrated by high-ranking officials in the government to intimidate 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 emphasized that the security of elected leaders isn’t just a privilege that can be granted or taken away at will; it’s a constitutional right that should remain untouched by political motives.
“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.
It’s worth noting that the withdrawal of his protection happened just days after a violent incident during a campaign stop in Chwele Ward, Kabuchai Constituency, on Saturday, November 22.
Natembeya was out there supporting independent MCA candidate Erick Wekesa ahead of the November 27 by-election when things took a chaotic turn.
Masked individuals armed with weapons crashed the rally, firing shots into the air and tossing tear gas canisters, which forced him to make a quick escape for his safety.
Afterward, Natembeya and his team found refuge at the home of MP Majimbo Kalasinga in Namakhele, but unfortunately, that property was also targeted.
In the wake of the chaos, Natembeya pointed fingers at National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, claiming that the violence was a result of 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’s for these reasons that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced that they will be implementing enhanced security measures across the constituencies and wards where by-elections are set to take place.
In a statement to the media, IEBC Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana highlighted the rising tensions in certain areas, which has led to the decision to deploy both uniformed and plain-clothes officers to maintain order during and after the voting process.
He pointed out that the competitive nature of these mini-polls has already sparked some disagreements, and he emphasized that the commission’s security plan is designed to address 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.
Natembeya Security Detail Dramatically Withdrawn
