Governor Orengo Demands Urgent Answers After Security Detail Abruptly Withdrawn in Dramatic Night Operation
James Orengo has demanded the immediate reinstatement of his security detail and a formal explanation from Douglas Kanja after officers assigned to protect him were abruptly withdrawn in what he described as a politically motivated move.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, May 20, the Siaya Governor accused state authorities of carrying out a sudden and unexplained operation that left both his personal security team and officers guarding his Nairobi residence removed without warning.
The veteran opposition figure wrote directly to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General Kanja demanding an official explanation over who authorised the withdrawal and why the decision was made.
“In light of the above, I urgently request an official explanation as to the grounds upon which this security withdrawal was authorised and the immediate reinstatement or replacement of my official security detail at all designated stations, including my Nairobi residence,” Orengo stated.
According to the governor, the dramatic withdrawal unfolded simultaneously on the evening of Tuesday, May 19, with officers attached to his personal protection unit and those stationed at his Nairobi home reportedly ordered to leave without prior notice.
Orengo claimed no formal communication was issued to his office before the action was taken and said no replacement officers were deployed afterward, raising serious security concerns.
“This drastic action was taken without any prior notification, formal communication, or the provision of suitable replacements,” he added.
The governor further argued that security assigned to constitutional office holders is not a privilege but a legal entitlement tied to public office and state responsibility.
The explosive development comes amid growing political tensions within Orange Democratic Movement, where Orengo has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of the party’s cooperation with President William Ruto under the broad-based government arrangement involving the ruling United Democratic Alliance.
Orengo has repeatedly accused sections of ODM leadership of abandoning the opposition’s core agenda and recently declared himself the party’s “de facto” leader amid deepening internal divisions.
At the same time, the Siaya governor has intensified mobilisation campaigns against the government’s economic policies, particularly fuel prices and taxation.
He has been actively associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, a faction pushing for nationwide demonstrations and demanding a reduction in fuel prices by Ksh53 — significantly higher than the Ksh46 proposal previously advanced by the Matatu Owners Association.
Copies of Orengo’s formal complaint were also forwarded to Ahmed Abdullahi, Chairperson of the Council of Governors, and Siaya County Police Commander Lucy Kananu.
By the time of publication, neither IG Kanja nor CS Murkomen had publicly responded to the governor’s allegations or explained the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of his security officers.
Also Read: Ruto Announces Kenya Consulate in Kazakhstan Amid New Trade Push