Governor Natembeya decries ‘arbitrary arrests’ amid security crackdown in Trans Nzoia
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has strongly criticised what he describes as the “harassment and arbitrary arrest” of residents during an ongoing security operation in the region, escalating tensions between county leadership and the national government.
Speaking in Saboti, the governor accused authorities of weaponising law enforcement agencies to suppress dissent, claiming the crackdown disproportionately targets individuals perceived to oppose the Kenya Kwanza administration.
His remarks come in the wake of a police operation that has seen more than 150 youths arrested across the county. Authorities maintain the arrests are part of a broader effort to curb criminal gangs and rising insecurity. However, Natembeya dismissed the justification, arguing the exercise is politically motivated.
“If they want to look for votes, let them engage in politics openly and not use police to intimidate our people. That will not work,” he said.
The governor further struck a defiant tone, declaring his willingness to personally stand against what he termed state intimidation.
“I am ready to put my life on the line to protect the people of Trans Nzoia from political harassment,” he added.
Clash with national government intensifies
The dispute follows a recent visit to the county by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who accused the governor of undermining development efforts by refusing to cooperate with the national government.
Murkomen claimed that President William Ruto had demonstrated willingness to partner with county authorities but faced resistance.
“President Ruto has been willing to work with the county on matters of development, but Natembeya has rejected development programmes for Trans Nzoia,” Murkomen stated during the visit.
In a swift rebuttal, Natembeya denied obstructing any national initiatives, insisting he lacks the authority to block presidential engagements in the county.
“I have no power or capacity to stop the president from visiting Trans Nzoia or carrying out development activities,” he said.
‘Opposition is not a crime’
Natembeya framed the standoff as a constitutional issue, arguing that political pluralism must be respected and that dissent should not invite state retaliation.
“Our people will not be intimidated into silence. I was elected just like the president, and there is no justification for suspending constitutional freedoms,” he said.
He added that his political stance should not be used as grounds for targeting civilians, warning against what he described as attempts to “unleash terror” to force political compliance.
“Being in the opposition is not a crime. We will resist any scheme to intimidate our people into submission to a rogue regime,” he declared.
Rising political tensions
The developments highlight growing friction between sections of county leadership and the national administration, with critics warning that the politicisation of security operations risks undermining public trust in law enforcement.
Police have yet to publicly respond to the governor’s latest remarks.
Also Read: IPOA Probes Embu Police Shooting as Death Toll Hits Three