CS Murkomen Explains Why Governor Natembeya’s Security Detail Was Recalled
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has responded to claims by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya that the government unlawfully withdrew his security detail, insisting the decision was part of a broader crackdown on police officers allegedly involved in criminal activity.
Governor Natembeya had earlier raised alarm on Wednesday, November 26, accusing the National Police Service (NPS) of violating the law by recalling his bodyguards without notice. In a strongly worded statement posted on Facebook, the governor said the move was both irregular and dangerous.
“This action violates the National Police Service Act, Sections 30 and 31, which obligate the Inspector-General to provide security to State officers whose roles and public engagements expose them to heightened risk,” Natembeya wrote. “There is no court order, no disciplinary communication, and no official explanation for this decision. It not only endangers my safety but also interferes with the smooth execution of county duties.”
He demanded that NPS “immediately reinstate” his officers and uphold “fairness, professionalism, and respect for the law,” particularly as he engages in politically charged activities ahead of the Malava parliamentary by-election.
However, speaking in Kasipul, CS Murkomen dismissed claims of political targeting and confirmed that not only Natembeya but several other leaders had their security teams withdrawn. He said the move followed intelligence reports indicating that some officers assigned to VIPs had been collaborating with criminal groups.
“Any security measure taken by the National Police Service is to avoid crisis,” Murkomen said. “If a police officer attached to a VIP is walking and working with goons, the best thing is to remove them.”
The Cabinet Secretary added that the security shake-up was not aimed at silencing critics of President William Ruto’s administration, stressing that it cut across political lines.
“I am aware that a number of VIPs — not just Natembeya — from both sides of the political divide have had their security withdrawn because the police have a report that the officers attached to them are involved in criminal activities,” he explained.
Murkomen maintained that security decisions remain the exclusive mandate of the NPS, and insisted that the action was taken in the interest of public order rather than political retaliation.
The NPS has yet to issue an official statement on whether or when the governor’s security will be restored.
Also Read: Washington Explains Trump’s Delay in Appointing Ambassador to Kenya
CS Murkomen Explains Why Governor Natembeya’s Security Detail Was Recalled