- Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya says his security detail has been withdrawn, calling it politically motivated
- The move comes days after a violent incident during a campaign rally in Chwele Ward
- Natembeya blames top government officials and stresses that security is a constitutional right for elected leaders
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya confirmed on Wednesday, November 26, that officers assigned to guard his home and personal movements had been withdrawn. He described the action as politically motivated and intended 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,” Natembeya said.
The governor insisted that security for elected officials is a constitutional right, not a favour granted at discretion.
“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 accept this intimidation to disrupt my push for unity and good governance,” he added.
The withdrawal follows a violent attack on Natembeya’s campaign team during a stop in Chwele Ward, Kabuchai Constituency, on Saturday, November 22. Masked armed individuals fired shots into the air and threw tear gas canisters, forcing Natembeya to flee.
He and his team sought refuge at MP Majimbo Kalasinga’s home in Namakhele, which was also attacked. Natembeya accused National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula of orchestrating the violence, calling it politically driven.
“Sending goons to destroy the home of an MP just because they have a different political opinion is primitive. This is not politics,” he said.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced increased security measures ahead of the November 27 by-elections. Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana said officers, both uniformed and plain-clothed, will be deployed to hotspots to prevent clashes.
“Competitions are going on, so of course tempers will rise. The arrangements we have put in place across all 22 areas ensure high-level security. We are confident that everything will be safe,” he said.
With tensions running high and past incidents of violence, IEBC’s enhanced security plan aims to safeguard voters, candidates, and election officials as mini-polls proceed across affected constituencies.
