Governor Natembeya’s Security Withdrawn as Claims of Planned Arrest Emerge
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has alleged that the government is orchestrating a deliberate campaign of intimidation against key opposition figures ahead of Thursday’s Malava parliamentary by-election, after his security detail was abruptly withdrawn at midnight.
Natembeya told Citizen Digital that officers guarding his residence and escort team were recalled without explanation in the early hours of Wednesday, November 26. The governor said the move came just days after he survived a violent disruption of his rally in Chwele Ward, Kabuchai, Bungoma County, where attackers vandalised his convoy and allegedly opened fire.
“This is so primitive — it is not politics,” Natembeya said when he visited the home of Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, which was also targeted in the same incident. “Members of Parliament in Kenya, this is your chairman doing these things. Sending goons to destroy the home of a sitting MP simply because they hold a different opinion.”
Natembeya directly accused National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula—his long-standing political rival—of orchestrating the violence, claiming state machinery was being weaponised against opposition voices in Western Kenya. Wetang’ula has not responded publicly to the accusations.
Panyako Claims “Coordinated Plan” to Arrest Opposition Figures
Seth Panyako, the United Opposition candidate in the Malava parliamentary race, separately claimed that a broader clampdown was underway targeting senior opposition politicians, including former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.
In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Panyako alleged that security agencies were preparing arrests intended to disrupt the opposition’s final mobilisation before the polls.
“I am aware they are planning to use police to intimidate and harass key people in our campaign, including George Natembeya, Eugene Wamalwa, Khalwale and myself, to steal an election they have already lost,” Panyako said.
The aspirant further claimed that a group of political and administrative figures associated with the ruling coalition were orchestrating a plot to cause unrest in several wards. He named Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa, and presidential aide Farouk Kibet as central players in what he described as a “KSh30 million destabilisation scheme.”
“I have evidence that Nabii Nabwera, Rachid Echesa and Farouk Kibet are planning mayhem across Malava. They have received KSh30 million for the chaos they want to cause,” Panyako added. “I want to warn them that the heinous acts they are planning will be resisted. The people of Malava will defend their rights.”
He urged security agencies to intervene before tensions escalate further. “Institutions responsible for maintaining law and order must thwart their plans to cause mayhem and deaths,” he said.
Growing Tension as Malava Heads to the Ballot
The accusations come as Malava gears up for a high-stakes parliamentary by-election that has drawn national attention. Both the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition and the United Opposition have framed the poll as a critical test of political influence in Western Kenya.
On Tuesday, the Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) candidate raised concerns about what he termed “state-engineered intimidation,” claiming government operatives were attempting to influence voter sentiment through fear and harassment.
Governor Natembeya echoed those concerns during a rally in the constituency, urging young voters to safeguard the integrity of the vote.
“To the Gen Zs, remain vigilant and protect your votes,” he said. “I will personally be here to ensure the people’s will is respected.”
Government Yet to Respond
As of Wednesday afternoon, state agencies had not issued a formal response to the allegations regarding security withdrawal, planned arrests or interference in the by-election. Police have also not commented on the claims of coordinated violence.
The escalating accusations from both sides underscore the highly charged political environment surrounding the Malava race. With only hours before voters head to the polls, tensions remain high as opposition leaders insist the government must guarantee a free, fair and peaceful process.
Also Read: Why Raila Odinga’s Sister Beryl Achieng Missed His Burial Revealed
Governor Natembeya’s Security Withdrawn as Claims of Planned Arrest Emerge