Natembeya Demands Answers After Security Detail Is Withdrawn

Nairobi, Kenya | October 15, 2026

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has demanded a formal explanation from Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja after his security detail was withdrawn for the second time, raising questions over the procedures governing changes to security assigned to public officials.

Natembeya said the officers attached to him were withdrawn at around 11pm on Wednesday, October 14, hours after President William Ruto toured Trans Nzoia County. He said he was not opposed to lawful reviews of security arrangements but wanted any such decision to be made professionally, objectively and in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

The governor invoked Article 47 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to administrative action that is lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair, including written reasons where a decision adversely affects a right or fundamental freedom. He also cited constitutional provisions requiring national security operations to comply with the law and the National Police Service to uphold professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights.

Natembeya further referred to a High Court ruling concerning the withdrawal of security assigned to governors, arguing that the decision reinforced the need for prior notice, an opportunity to be heard and written reasons in cases where security arrangements are being withdrawn.

He called on the Inspector-General to clarify the reasons for the latest withdrawal and whether the applicable procedures had been followed, saying the matter should not be influenced by political considerations.

The government, however, has defended the withdrawal. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen accused Natembeya of associating with individuals he described as “goons” and alleged that the governor was planning violence. Murkomen said the government would not allow politicians to use state-provided security to facilitate unrest.

Murkomen made the remarks during President Ruto’s tour of the North Rift, saying security officials would remain firm in dealing with what he described as political violence. The allegations against Natembeya have not been independently established.

Natembeya has meanwhile played down the immediate impact of the withdrawal, saying he would continue relying on his faith and the support of residents. He also expressed appreciation for the officers who had previously provided security, while maintaining that he was entitled to appropriate protection.

The latest dispute comes amid heightened political tensions between Natembeya and the national government. Ruto recently accused the governor of frustrating national government projects in Trans Nzoia, including the Endebess Hospital and Kenyatta Stadium, while criticising the county administration’s political position. Natembeya has rejected the accusations and maintained that national and county governments should respect their respective constitutional mandates.

The withdrawal is not the first involving Natembeya. His security detail was also recalled in November 2025, with Murkomen at the time saying the move was part of wider security changes affecting several officials. Natembeya had criticised that withdrawal and questioned its timing.

The latest development is likely to keep attention on the procedures governing security arrangements for senior public officials as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election