Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has had his security detail withdrawn, triggering a response from CS Kipchumba Murkomen, who framed the action as a preventive measure.
Natembeya, a vocal critic of President Ruto’s administration and an active supporter of opposition candidates in upcoming Western Kenya by-elections, said the withdrawal occurred without any formal notice or explanation.
In a statement, the governor cited the National Police Service Act, Sections 30 and 31, which require the Inspector-General to provide security to state officers exposed to heightened risk.
Natembeya emphasized there was no court order or disciplinary communication to justify the action, and warned that the move could compromise his personal safety and disrupt county operations.
CS Murkomen, addressing the matter publicly, described the police decision as a standard precaution.
“Any security measure taken by the National Police Service is to avoid crisis. If a police officer attached to a VIP is walking and working with goons, the best thing is to remove them,” he said.
He stressed that the intention of such measures is to protect both the officer and the public, rather than interfere with political activities.
The security withdrawal comes amid rising tensions in Western Kenya ahead of several by-elections, where Natembeya has reportedly been campaigning for opposition candidates.