Natembeya Slams Sudden Security Withdrawal After Bungoma Rally Attack

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya says the state suddenly withdrew his entire security detail on the night of November 25, 2025. He explained that the National Police Service pulled out the officers without warning, communication, or justification.

Natembeya condemned the decision and argued that it was a deliberate attempt to intimidate him. Moreover, he insisted that the withdrawal violates the Constitution and directly threatens his personal safety as well as his political independence.

The security setback came only three days after he survived an attack during a campaign rally in Chwele Ward, Kabuchai Constituency. At the event, Natembeya was campaigning for independent MCA candidate Erick Wekesa ahead of the November 27 by-election.

During the rally, armed and masked attackers stormed the venue. They opened fire, hurled tear gas canisters and forced Natembeya to flee. According to Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, Natembeya ducked into his car just as a bullet flew over the sunroof. Additionally, the assailants targeted Kalasinga and former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati.

After the chaos, the attackers vandalized several vehicles in Natembeya’s convoy. The team then rushed to Kalasinga’s home in Namakhele for safety. However, the attackers followed them and shattered windows, leaving glass scattered across the compound. Kalasinga added that his watchman lost his hands and legs in the assault.

Furthermore, Natembeya linked the violence to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula. His party, the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), accused goons allegedly allied to Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya of orchestrating the attacks. Ford Kenya is backing Vincent Maunda, Wekesa’s main rival in the by-election.

Despite the rising tension, the Interior Ministry and the National Police Service have not commented on the security withdrawal.