Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has questioned the repeated withdrawal of his security detail, asking Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja to explain the decision amid concerns over constitutional safeguards and possible political interference.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has raised fresh concerns over the withdrawal of his security detail, demanding a formal explanation from Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja after what he says is the second such incident.
In a statement issued on Thursday, 15 October, the governor called on the National Police Service to clarify why the security arrangements had been changed and whether the proper procedures had been followed.
“I am particularly concerned that this is happening for the second time. I therefore call upon the Inspector-General of the National Police Service to provide a formal explanation of the reasons for this decision and to clarify whether the applicable security procedures have been followed,” Natembeya said.
The governor maintained that he was not opposed to lawful security reviews but insisted that any decision affecting his protection must be made professionally and without discrimination or improper political influence.
“I do not claim immunity from lawful security reviews. What I insist upon is that any such review must be conducted professionally, objectively and in accordance with the Constitution, without discrimination or improper political influence,” he added.
Natembeya invokes constitutional rights
Natembeya argued that decisions affecting his personal security must comply with the Constitution, particularly Article 47, which guarantees the right to fair administrative action.
The provision requires administrative decisions to be lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair. Where a decision adversely affects a person’s rights, written reasons may also be required under the law.
The governor cited a High Court ruling reported on 3 June 2025 concerning the withdrawal of security assigned to five governors.
According to Natembeya, the court found that withdrawing security without prior written notice, an opportunity to be heard and written reasons violated Article 47.
His latest statement therefore places renewed focus on the legal procedures that should govern changes to security arrangements for elected leaders.
Previous court orders over his security
The dispute follows an earlier incident in November 2025, when Natembeya announced that his official security detail had been withdrawn without prior communication or an explanation.
In December 2025, the High Court issued orders preventing the withdrawal or reduction of security arrangements for Natembeya and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale pending further court proceedings.
The latest development raises questions about the status of those arrangements and how the authorities are implementing the court’s directions. The precise circumstances surrounding the latest reported withdrawal have not been established in the information provided.
Security dispute follows political tensions
Natembeya’s concerns also come days after President William Ruto criticised the governor’s Tawe slogan during a roadside address in Endebess on Saturday, 10 October.
The President accused Natembeya’s political stance of hindering development projects in Trans Nzoia, including hospitals and roads.
However, no evidence presented in the statement establishes a link between the President’s remarks and the reported withdrawal of the governor’s security detail.
Natembeya has called for a formal explanation from the Inspector-General, insisting that any review of his security must follow the law and respect constitutional safeguards.
The police’s response to his latest demand will be important in clarifying the reasons for the reported withdrawal and the status of his security arrangements.
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