Natembeya, Orengo demand answers over repeated withdrawal of security detail

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and his Siaya counterpart James Orengo have demanded explanations from Inspector-General of Police over the repeated withdrawal of their security details, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the decisions.

Natembeya said the National Police Service had directed officers attached to his security detail to report immediately to their respective stations or police headquarters, a move he described as concerning because it had happened for the second time.

Addressing a press conference at his office, the governor called on the Inspector-General to provide a formal explanation of the decision and clarify whether the applicable security 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,” he said.

The governor, a former Regional Commissioner, cited constitutional safeguards and a High Court ruling delivered on June 3, 2025, involving five governors, arguing that the withdrawal of security personnel must comply with the law.

He said the court had held that withdrawing security without prior written notice, an opportunity to be heard and written reasons violated Article 47 of the Constitution, which guarantees fair administrative action.

Natembeya urged the relevant authorities to take the judicial pronouncement into account, insisting that the police leadership should explain the legal and administrative grounds for the latest decision.

Orengo, meanwhile, dismissed the withdrawal of his security detail, maintaining that the move would not intimidate him.

“Today, the government withdrew my security for the nth time. I remain unbowed,” the Siaya governor said, adding, “wantam!”

Orengo has previously accused successive administrations of using the withdrawal of security personnel to intimidate political leaders who challenge government policies and practices they consider oppressive.

The security dispute comes amid growing political tensions surrounding President William Ruto’s planned launch of the Masinde Muliro Market and the new Trans Nzoia County headquarters.

Natembeya has threatened to move to court to stop the President from officially opening the projects, arguing that they were financed entirely by the county government.

“I built the new county assembly offices worth KSh500 million using Trans Nzoia’s money. There is not a single cent from Ruto in that project,” he said.

The governor added that although the President was welcome to open the facility, he would remove the plaque bearing Ruto’s name after the ceremony and replace it with his own.

The developments have heightened scrutiny of the relationship between the two governors and the national government, with Natembeya demanding procedural accountability over his security while challenging the President’s role in inaugurating county-funded projects.