NAIROBI, KENYA – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has publicly linked the withdrawal of state security from Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya to intelligence reports alleging some of the governor's police detail were collaborating with criminal elements and involved in planning violence. The action, which occurred around midnight on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, has ignited a political firestorm, with Governor Natembeya branding it an unconstitutional and politically motivated attempt to intimidate him.

Speaking to the press on Wednesday, November 26, CS Murkomen defended the National Police Service (NPS) decision, stating it was a necessary security measure and not an isolated incident. "Any security measure taken by the National Police Service is to avoid a crisis. If a police officer attached to a VIP is walking and working with goons, the best thing is to remove them," Murkomen stated. He asserted that the NPS possesses reports implicating officers assigned to several VIPs, not just Natembeya, in criminal activities ahead of the by-elections scheduled for Thursday, November 27. The CS warned that the affected officers face disciplinary action and potential dismissal if the allegations are proven.

The withdrawal of Governor Natembeya's security detail—which reportedly included officers guarding his residence and accompanying him on movements—came just days after a violent attack on his convoy. On Saturday, November 22, armed individuals ambushed the governor's rally in Chwele Ward, Bungoma County, where he was campaigning for an independent candidate. The incident saw vehicles vandalized and gunshots fired, forcing the governor and his team to take cover. Natembeya subsequently accused National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, a key figure in the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, of orchestrating the violence.

Conflicting Narratives and Political Fallout

Governor Natembeya has vehemently contested the government's justification, framing the withdrawal of his security as a direct threat to his life and an attempt to silence his criticism of President William Ruto's administration. "This action violates the National Police Service Act... It not only endangers my safety but also interferes with the smooth execution of county duties," Natembeya said in a statement. He confirmed that the officers were recalled without any court order or official explanation. The governor, a prominent opposition voice from the Western Kenya region, vowed not to be intimidated, stating his security comes from the voters.

The controversy has also drawn in other political figures. Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who is aligned with the government, also reported that his security was withdrawn without explanation on the same day. CS Murkomen confirmed that multiple leaders from both sides of the political divide were affected by the security reassignment based on police intelligence.

Politicisation of Security Services

This incident has reignited a long-standing debate in Kenya over the politicisation of the police service and the use of security details as a tool for political leverage. Critics argue that the timing of the withdrawal, just before crucial by-elections, is suspect and sets a dangerous precedent. The Law Society of Kenya has reportedly questioned the legality of the move, calling for an independent investigation.

While the Inspector General of Police has the authority to deploy and redeploy officers, the lack of a clear, public policy on VIP protection often leads to accusations of political bias, particularly when security is withdrawn from opposition figures. Similar actions were taken against then-Deputy President William Ruto in 2021 and other politicians in 2019, sparking similar outcries. The National Police Service has yet to issue a detailed official statement on the matter but has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a peaceful and fair electoral process.

As Kenyans head to the polls in several wards and constituencies, the standoff between the Interior Ministry and Governor Natembeya highlights the deep-seated mistrust between the government and the opposition. The outcome of the investigations into the alleged misconduct of the police officers and the political violence in Bungoma will be closely watched as a barometer of the state's commitment to the rule of law and the independence of its security organs.