Several political leaders, including Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, have had their security officers withdrawn ahead of Thursday’s by-elections, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said, pushing back against claims that the governor was specifically targeted.
Murkomen explained that police acted after reports indicated that some officers assigned to politicians were involved in misconduct, and the measure aimed to prevent misuse of firearms under the guise of protection. He stressed that while some leaders kept quiet about the action, others went public, creating a perception of selective targeting.
“The National Police Service has a report that the officers attached to them are involved in criminal activities. Some who may be seem to be leaning to one side of political divide have chosen to keep quite and not to share publicly what the police have done but some have decided to public,” he said.
“It is not only one person whose security has been withdrawn.”
The CS said the withdrawals were timely because election campaigns had ended, and there was no longer a need for politicians to be constantly escorted. He added that any person attempting to interfere with the voting process would be treated like any other suspect under the law.
“In any case there is no boss tomorrow. The people are the bosses and they are going to elect their boss, so everybody who was campaigning for a party your job is done,” he said.
Murkomen further said that officers deployed at polling stations were meant solely to protect voters and prevent intimidation, not to favor any political side.
“Our job as a government is to ensure voters are not intimidated and when we succeed to intimidate the goons we are very happy. When goons complain that the government is intimidating it is my joy,” he said.
Natembeya, meanwhile, described the withdrawal of his security detail as a direct threat to his life. He said all officers assigned to guard him and his Kitale residence were recalled on Tuesday night, forcing him to put in place personal safety arrangements.
“All the security officers attached to me were recalled last night, and I was forced to have my own measures in place for safety,” said Natembeya.
He stressed that security for public officials is a constitutional right and accused the authorities of politicizing protection services.
“Let whoever did that know that I will not be intimidated or cowed into giving up on my stand,” said Natembeya.
The governor also noted that the recall came amid recent attacks he survived while campaigning in Malava and Bungoma, highlighting what he described as a heightened personal risk.
