Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has announced that his state-provided security has been withdrawn. According to the vocal governor, the state withdrew his security on the evening of November 25, 2025, leaving him unprotected.
The move comes just four days after Governor Natembeya’s convoy was attacked during a campaign rally by unknown individuals and has led to serious investigations over the security of individuals opposing the government.
Natembeya, a career civil servant, has been at loggerheads with the government over his criticism. He has also expressed interest in running for the presidency in 2027.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi earlier vowed to make Natembeya a one-term governor for disrespecting him and the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula.
Natembeya was campaigning in Chwele, Kabuchai Constituency in Bungoma County for DAP-K MCA candidate Eric Wekesa when armed gunmen ambushed the rally.
The governor’s vehicle was shot severally but he lucky to escape unharmed before the goons went to the home of Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga and destroyed it.
Natembeya’s Struggle
The move to withdraw Natembeya’s security has sparked outrage among his allies, who are calling it a deliberate attempt to intimidate Natembeya and disorganize opposition campaigns in Western Kenya.
After the November 22 attack, Natembeya accused the state and specifically Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi of conducting a campaign of harassment, citing violent disruptions at his rallies, including tear gas, stone-throwing, and even live bullets.
The Malava by-election, seen as a litmus test for Western Kenya’s political realignment, has drawn intense scrutiny as rival camps battle for dominance ahead of the 2027 general election.
Natembeya described the incident as a threat to a democratic process especially in a high-stake poll like the one in Malava.
“The mission is bigger than guns or bodyguards. We will not stop.”
The Kabuchai by-election, triggered by the death of MCA James Barasa on August 4, 2025, has led to political unrest in the area and has led the formation of even more party alliances.
History Repeats Itself
Governor Natembeya has however, promised to remain unchallenged and reiterated his commitment to ensuring that he strengthens the opposition, citing that President William Ruto also had his security withdrawn during his tenure as the Deputy President.
In August 2021, Deputy President William Ruto’s elite General Service Unit (GSU) officers were withdrawn from his official Karen residence and other homes and replaced with Administration Police officers.
Ruto described the move as strange and unlawful, claiming it violated Police Service Standing Orders and was politically motivated.
His office wrote to the Inspector General, who was Hillary Mutyambai, demanding an explanation, arguing the withdrawal exposed him to harm and was part of a systematic effort to undermine his security.
Earlier, in 2019, security details for several politicians allied to Ruto, including governors and MPs, were also withdrawn under unclear circumstances.
Leaders accused the government of using security as a political weapon to intimidate those opposing it, while police termed the changes as normal reassignments.
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Natembeya’s allies argue that the timing of the withdrawal, hours before voting, points to a deliberate attempt to influence the by-elections.
The National Police Service has yet to issue an official explanation for the withdrawal, despite earlier assurances of robust security for all candidates in the mini polls.
Implications for Democracy
The withdrawal of security for Governor Natembeya during an election period raises serious concerns about state neutrality and the integrity of democratic processes.
It has eroded public trust and might trigger future violence or arguments in future instances.
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Western Kenya is a critical battleground ahead of the 2027 general election, and any perception of political interference could inflame tensions and destabilize the region.
The Kabuchai by-election now serves as a test of Kenya’s commitment to uphold constitutional guarantees of fairness, security, and equal participation in electoral contests.
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