Governor Natembeya cries foul after bodyguards are withdrawn on eve of Malava by-election

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has raised the alarm after his security detail was suddenly withdrawn (photo courtesy)

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has raised the alarm after his security detail was suddenly withdrawn, a move he says is unlawful, dangerous and politically motivated, especially coming just hours before the hotly contested Malava by-election.

Natembeya, who has in recent days openly campaigned The Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) candidate Seth Panyako, took to his social media pages to condemn the action, saying it violates the National Police Service Act and interferes with his ability to execute official duties.

"Today, my security detail was withdrawn without any notice or lawful justification," he posted. "This action violates the National Police Service Act, Sections 30 and 31, which obligate the Inspector-General to provide security to State officers whose roles and public engagements expose them to heightened risk."

The governor said no court order, disciplinary notice or official communication preceded the withdrawal, an abrupt move he believes exposes him to unnecessary danger and disrupts county operations at a critical political moment.

Natembeya added that the decision comes at a time when his public engagements have placed him under increased political scrutiny, particularly due to his vigorous campaigning in Malava.

"It not only endangers my safety but also interferes with the smooth execution of county duties," he noted, calling on the National Police Service to reinstate his detail "and adhere to the constitutional standards of fairness, professionalism, and respect for the law."

The incident has sparked speculation over whether the security move is linked to the tense political atmosphere in Kakamega ahead of Tomorrow's by-election, where Panyako faces a tough battle amid shifting political alliances.