George Natembeya, the governor of Trans Nzoia County, has accused the state of launching a politically motivated intimidation campaign after police withdrew his official security detail , a decision that has left him exposed and alarmed following a recent attack on his convoy.
In a phone interview, Natembeya said the withdrawal was abrupt and unexplained. “They took every security detail — my guards, my driver, even the vehicle,” he said, describing the act as a clear sign of intimidation. He declared his safety now lies “with the people of Western and with Kenyans,” asserting that he would not be deterred from speaking out or engaging with his constituents.
The removal of his security comes just days after a violent incident on November 22, when armed assailants ambushed a campaign rally he attended in Kabuchai Constituency, Bungoma County. Witnesses say the attackers fired shots, deployed tear gas, and targeted vehicles in Natembeya’s convoy. At least one lawmaker’s home was also reportedly vandalized in the chaos.
Natembeya has pointed fingers at political rivals, alleging that the attack — and now the security withdrawal — are part of a coordinated effort to suppress dissent and destabilize opposition voices ahead of upcoming by‑elections. He specifically accused the national leadership of using state resources to bar his movements in key regions.
The governor maintains that security protection is not a privilege but a constitutional right for elected leaders — a right he says has been violated. He has called on national security authorities to provide an explanation for their actions. “If anything happens to me now,” he warned, “the police will be held responsible.”
The withdrawal has provoked outrage among his supporters and raised concerns about the use of security apparatus in what critics describe as political engineering. Civil society advocates argue that such actions undermine trust in public institutions and threaten the democratic process, warning that personalization of state security based on political alignment sets a dangerous precedent.
Despite the heightened risks, Natembeya has vowed to carry on with his public engagements. He announced plans to travel to Malava to meet with residents, insisting that nothing will stop his advocacy and community outreach. “It is my constitutional right to move freely and speak to my people,” he declared.
As the region braces for further political tension and preparations intensify for upcoming elections, many will be watching whether the state responds to calls for clarity , or whether the security withdrawal remains a stark reminder of the fraught intersection between politics and public protection in Kenya.
Image by Nation Africa
