Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed that the government recalled the security officers assigned to Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, saying the decision was based on intelligence reports showing misconduct by some VIP protection teams.
The clarification comes after Natembeya announced on Wednesday, November 26, that his official security detail had been removed without warning.
In a public statement, the governor criticised the move, saying it violated the National Police Service Act, which requires the state to provide security to public officials exposed to heightened risks.
Natembeya argued that the withdrawal not only endangered him but also interfered with his ability to perform official duties.
Natembeya argued that the withdrawal not only endangered him but also interfered with his ability to perform official duties.
He demanded that the National Police Service reinstate the officers immediately and follow lawful procedures when making security decisions.
While speaking in Kasipul, Homa Bay County, Murkomen confirmed that the withdrawal was deliberate and part of a wider crackdown on misconduct within VIP security units.
While speaking in Kasipul, Homa Bay County, Murkomen confirmed that the withdrawal was deliberate and part of a wider crackdown on misconduct within VIP security units.
He said the National Police Service had received reports showing that some officers assigned to political leaders were working with criminal groups to cause disruptions ahead of Thursday’s by-elections.
According to the CS, Natembeya was not the only leader affected. Several politicians from both sides of the political divide had their security restructured after investigations revealed that their assigned officers were involved in activities that breached police regulations.
Murkomen said the government could not overlook such behaviour, especially with the heightened political temperatures in several regions preparing for mini polls.
“Any action taken by the National Police Service is meant to avert a crisis,” he said. “If an officer attached to a VIP is found working with goons to create trouble, then recalling them is the only responsible thing to do. This is not about politics—it's about discipline and preventing crime.”
He added that the police must remain impartial, and being attached to a high-ranking leader does not give any officer the freedom to participate in unlawful activities.
Murkomen explained that the government has strengthened oversight on officers assigned to VIPs, following recent cases where some security teams were implicated in violence, intimidation of opponents, and interference with local political processes.
Natembeya, however, maintained that the government was targeting him because of his outspoken criticism of President William Ruto’s administration.
According to the CS, Natembeya was not the only leader affected. Several politicians from both sides of the political divide had their security restructured after investigations revealed that their assigned officers were involved in activities that breached police regulations.
Murkomen said the government could not overlook such behaviour, especially with the heightened political temperatures in several regions preparing for mini polls.
“Any action taken by the National Police Service is meant to avert a crisis,” he said. “If an officer attached to a VIP is found working with goons to create trouble, then recalling them is the only responsible thing to do. This is not about politics—it's about discipline and preventing crime.”
He added that the police must remain impartial, and being attached to a high-ranking leader does not give any officer the freedom to participate in unlawful activities.
Murkomen explained that the government has strengthened oversight on officers assigned to VIPs, following recent cases where some security teams were implicated in violence, intimidation of opponents, and interference with local political processes.
Natembeya, however, maintained that the government was targeting him because of his outspoken criticism of President William Ruto’s administration.
He claimed that this was not the first attempt to intimidate him, pointing to previous Senate summons and what he termed politically motivated investigations.
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