Governer Natembeya Shows Off Private Security After Government Strips Him of Bodyguards
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has been forced to rely on private security after the government withdrew his official bodyguards, despite a High Court order directing their reinstatement.
The outspoken county chief was accompanied by six privately hired security guards during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations held at Gituamba Primary School grounds, weeks after all his state-provided security officers were withdrawn under circumstances that have sparked political controversy.
The six guards, described as physically imposing and highly alert, were seen taking full charge of the governor’s security during the event, which was attended by hundreds of Trans Nzoia residents. Equipped with communication devices and dark protective eyewear, the men maintained tight security around the dais, positioning themselves strategically throughout the ceremony.
According to eyewitnesses, one guard stood directly behind Governor Natembeya as he addressed the crowd, two flanked him on the right, two on the left, while another remained seated behind his chair — a formation typically associated with advanced VIP protection.
Speaking during the national celebrations, Natembeya, a former Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, said he had nothing to celebrate, accusing the government of curtailing his freedom by withdrawing his security detail.
“There is nothing for me to celebrate because even my own freedom has been curtailed,” Natembeya told the crowd. “I’m walking freely, but I am a prisoner because they took away my security and driver after I told the government the truth. So which freedom am I celebrating here?”
The governor, who has increasingly positioned himself as a vocal critic of the current administration, said the move was meant to intimidate him into silence but insisted he would not back down.
Without mincing his words, Natembeya accused unnamed state actors of cowardice, claiming they were targeting leaders who hold opposing views.
“Our day will come,” he declared. “I want to assure Kenyans that one day, when we are all gone, you will remember there was a man called Natembeya. The cowards who are harassing us now — history will not remember you for anything good.”
The withdrawal of Natembeya’s security has drawn concern from sections of Trans Nzoia residents and political allies. His gender advisor, Justina Sitti, is among those who have publicly urged the state to immediately reinstate the governor’s bodyguards, citing safety concerns.
The controversy comes despite a High Court ruling issued on December 4, 2025, in Nairobi, which ordered the immediate reinstatement of security details for both Natembeya and Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale.
However, as of now, the state has yet to comply with the court directive.
Natembeya’s and Khalwale’s security officers were withdrawn on November 26, 2025 — just hours before the fiercely contested Malava Constituency by-election, which was ultimately won by United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate David Ndakwa.
The timing of the withdrawals has fuelled claims of political intimidation, with critics accusing the government of using state security as a tool to silence dissenting voices.
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Governer Natembeya Shows Off Private Security After Government Strips Him of Bodyguards