Lobby group sues Murkomen, IG Kanja over Orengo's security

A lobby group has moved to the High Court seeking orders to compel Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to immediately reinstate security officers allegedly withdrawn from Siaya Governor James Orengo.

In an application filed before the Milimani High Court under certificate of urgency, the Centre for Litigation Trust claims Orengo’s personal and residential security detail was withdrawn on May 19 without notice, official communication or replacement.

The lobby is seeking conservatory orders restoring the full security personnel attached to the governor personally and at his residences in Nairobi and Siaya pending the hearing and determination of the petition.

“On May 20, 2026, it was announced that the entire security personnel and the residential security attached to the Governor of Siaya County James Aggrey Orengo were withdrawn on May 19, 2026,” the application states.

According to the court papers, Orengo’s security was allegedly withdrawn abruptly and without explanation.

“His entire security detail and the security agents guarding his Nairobi home were withdrawn on May 19, 2026 abruptly, without prior notice, official communication and/or provision of any replacement,” the petitioner states.

The Centre for Litigation Trust argues that the withdrawal violates constitutional protections accorded to State officers and exposes the governor to unnecessary risk.

“The provision of security is anchored in law, notably for constitutional officeholders like the interested party herein and this is a statutory entitlement designed to allow them to execute their duties without fear of intimidation,” the petition reads.

The petitioner further argues that all governors across the country continue to enjoy State-provided security except Orengo, terming the move discriminatory and unlawful.

The petition names the Inspector General of Police, the Interior Cabinet Secretary and the Attorney General as respondents, while Orengo is listed as an interested party.

The High Court is now expected to determine whether temporary orders restoring Orengo’s security detail will be issued pending the hearing of the petition.