Conflicting Narratives Emerge Over Security Withdrawal

NAIROBI – The National Police Service (NPS) recalled the state-provided security for Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale on or around Tuesday, November 25, 2025, igniting a sharp political dispute just days before critical by-elections. Governor Natembeya, a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, framed the move as a politically motivated act of intimidation. He stated on Wednesday, November 26, that his security was withdrawn without explanation. "Security to me is not a favour, it's a constitutional privilege to me as an elected leader," Natembeya asserted, directly blaming the President for what he termed a scheme to frustrate and silence him.

Senator Khalwale, who is also the Senate Majority Whip, echoed these sentiments, claiming his security was pulled without warning. He alleged the move was linked to his political stances and suggested a plot to arrest him ahead of the by-elections scheduled for Thursday, November 27. The withdrawals occurred shortly after Governor Natembeya's convoy was attacked during a campaign rally in Chwele Ward, Bungoma County, on Saturday, November 22, where several vehicles were vandalized amid gunfire.

Government Cites Police Involvement in Criminal Activities

In a swift rebuttal, the government confirmed the withdrawals but provided a starkly different rationale. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen stated on Wednesday, November 26, that the decision was not targeted at individuals but was a temporary measure affecting several leaders across the political divide. Murkomen explained the action was based on a National Police Service (NPS) report alleging that some officers attached to VIPs were involved in poll-related unrest and criminal activities.

"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 said during a press briefing. He warned that any officers found guilty after investigations would not only be withdrawn but could also lose their jobs. While the Interior CS referenced an NPS report, the Inspector General of Police had not issued a direct public statement on the specific withdrawals by Thursday morning. However, an NPS spokesperson, Muchiri Nyaga, had issued a stern warning to politicians against incitement ahead of the by-elections, stating the service would arrest anyone breaching the peace, regardless of their status.

Implications for Kenyan Democracy and Security Protocols

The incident has reignited a long-standing debate in Kenya over the weaponization of state security for political ends. Civil society groups and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) have previously raised concerns about the practice of withdrawing security from opposition figures, judges, and other state officers who are critical of the executive. While not commenting on this specific case, the LSK has in the past condemned such actions as an assault on judicial independence and an affront to the rule of law.

This pattern of security withdrawals is not new in Kenyan politics. In August 2021, the security detail of then-Deputy President William Ruto was controversially reorganized. Similarly, leaders allied to him, as well as opposition figures during previous administrations, have faced similar actions, which are often officially described as routine reassignments but widely viewed as political pressure tactics.

The timing of the withdrawals, just 48 hours before polls open, has significant implications for the political landscape in Western Kenya, a critical battleground region. The move could be perceived by the public as an attempt to interfere with the democratic process, potentially eroding trust in state institutions. As Governor Natembeya and Senator Khalwale arrange for private security, the episode underscores the deep-seated mistrust between the government and opposition-leaning leaders and raises urgent questions about the neutrality and independence of the National Police Service.

The condemnation from Kisii Governor Simba Arati, as mentioned in the initial report, could not be independently verified by Streamline News as of Thursday, November 27, 2025. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.