Minutes before dawn on Wednesday, George Natembeya — Governor of Trans Nzoia County — says he woke up to find state-assigned police officers who guarded him and his residence suddenly gone.
The officers were recalled overnight, leaving Natembeya without protection ahead of highly sensitive by-elections. The governor called the move “a scheme to silence me.”
From shooting spree to silence
The withdrawal comes just days after a violent attack targeting Natembeya at a campaign rally on November 22 in Chwele Ward, Kabuchai, Bungoma County, where gunmen reportedly fired into the air and threw tear gas canisters. Vehicles were vandalised, and the governor narrowly escaped harm.
“I received reports from my officers that they had been instructed to go to the nearest camp … now, I don’t have any security officers with me or at my residence,” Natembeya said in an interview. He blamed the national government, suggesting the withdrawal was politically motivated.
Natembeya argued that security for elected leaders is not a privilege but a constitutional right — one that must be protected irrespective of election season.
Government explains, critics cry foul
The government, through Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, defended the withdrawal, saying the officers had been implicated in criminal activities and were recalled to prevent misuse of firearms.
He clarified that the move did not target a single politician but was a broader crackdown ahead of polling.
Read More: https://thevoice.co.ke/richest-125-kenyans-richer-than-42-6-million-oxfam/
Murkomen added that any person found loitering with weapons or interfering with the electoral process would be treated as suspects. He insisted the withdrawal aimed to ensure that security resources were used professionally.
However, the sudden pull-out has stirred fierce criticism. Civil society groups, opposition leaders and residents of Trans Nzoia warn that the move undermines political freedoms and could endanger lives. Some describe it as “targeted political intimidation.”
Natembeya has been a lively—and controversial—figure in the ongoing campaign ahead of the Malava by-election. In recent weeks, he has made several high-profile appearances in the constituency as political tensions intensify.
Natembeya has publicly questioned why the national government, and specifically President William Ruto and his associate Farouk Kibet, are taking a keen interest in the Malava race — raising suspicions over their motives.
On the ground, his presence has sparked stir and reaction. His team claims the recall of his official security detail by state police was a direct attempt to intimidate him.
Meanwhile, a November 22 rally in nearby Kabuchai witnessed gunfire and chaos after masked assailants reportedly attacked, with Natembeya narrowly escaping.
Despite the danger and growing opposition, Natembeya remained active on the campaign trail. He shared a public embrace with another political figure shortly after accusations of collusion — a move widely interpreted as a show of defiance.
Ahead of by-elections — tension thick in the air
The security withdrawal comes ahead of by-elections scheduled for November 27. Natembeya and his party, DAP-K, are heavily involved, and the governor’s supporters believe the move aims to tilt the electoral field.
Political analysts warn that stripping security from a high-profile county governor — especially one recently targeted by violence — risks destabilizing the electoral atmosphere. There are concerns it may embolden attackers or fuel chaos. Others argue it sends a chilling message to outspoken politicians and opposition figures across the country.
A test for Kenya’s democracy
Trans Nzoia’s unfolding crisis raises critical questions about the politicization of state security resources and the protection of opposition voices. If security allocation — or retraction — becomes a political tool, many fear democratic space could shrink further.
As Natembeya vows to continue his political activities despite the withdrawal, all eyes are on police and security agencies. Any misstep in the volatile days ahead could ignite fresh unrest.
Read Also: 30 Plus Free Scholarships For Kenyans To Study In UK Universities