Natembeya alleges plot to silence him as security recalled

Tranzoia Governor George Natembeya campaigning for DAP party candidate Seth Panyako at Kakoyi primary school on November 24, 2025. [Benjamin Sakwa/ Standard]

The State has withdrawn security officers attached to Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.

Natembeya confirmed to The Standard on Wednesday morning that all officers assigned to him by the government have been recalled.

He said his personal bodyguards and security at his residences were withdrawn without any explanation.

Natembeya described the government’s action as intimidation and a scheme to silence him over his continued criticism of President Ruto’s administration.

“My bodyguards and those security officers attached to my homes have been recalled. This is a plot to punish and silence me for criticising the administration,” he told The Standard.

The Governor accused President William Ruto of ordering the withdrawal of his security, saying it was a well-calculated move to frustrate his movements and intimidate him following his spirited campaigns in the Malava and Kabuchai by-elections.

“I blame the President for the government’s action since this decision was made at a very high level. It is a plan to intimidate me. I know if it were possible, even the vehicles I use would have been taken away,” alleged Natembeya.

He raised concern over his safety and accused the State of using unconstitutional means to silence critics and muzzle dissenting voices against the Kenya Kwanza regime.

“Security provided to me by the State is not a favour; it is a constitutional entitlement as an elected leader. But I will not fear or allow this intimidation to deter me from pushing for the unity of the people of Western Kenya and raising concerns over bad governance in this country,” he said.

Natembeya further claimed that the government has been using various means to intimidate him, including summons by the Senate, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, and allegedly fixing charges against him in the Anti-Corruption Court in Nairobi, terming the withdrawal of his security a personal threat to his life.

“There is no explanation why my security has been withdrawn, and it is unconstitutional for the government to take it away,” the Governor stated.

Residents of Trans Nzoia condemned the withdrawal of the Governor’s security and vowed to support his push for regional unity.

“Why should the government withdraw the Governor’s security when he has a constitutional right to be protected by armed officers?” Andrew Kutitila, the MCA for Sikhendu, said.