Natembeya asks police leadership to explain the removal of his guards, while Orengo says repeated withdrawals will not intimidate him.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has demanded an explanation from the Inspector General of Police over his security withdrawal. Meanwhile, Siaya Governor James Orengo says the government has again removed his guards, but he remains defiant.
Speaking at his office on October 15, Natembeya said the National Police Service had recalled officers assigned to protect him. The directive required them to report immediately to their respective stations or headquarters.
He said this was the second such withdrawal and sought a formal explanation from police leadership. He also asked whether the decision complied with the required security procedures.
Natembeya questions security withdrawal procedures
The former Regional Commissioner wants police to explain the legal and administrative grounds for removing his protection. In support of his demand, he cited constitutional safeguards and a High Court ruling involving five governors.
Natembeya said the court ruled on June 3, 2025, that withdrawing security without procedural safeguards violated Article 47 of the Constitution. Those safeguards, he said, included prior written notice, an opportunity to respond and written reasons for the decision.
He therefore urged the relevant authorities to consider both the ruling and the applicable law. His request centres on why police recalled the officers and whether they followed the proper process.
Orengo says repeated withdrawals will not deter him
Orengo also announced the latest removal of his security personnel, saying he would not bow to pressure. He described it as another withdrawal in a series of similar incidents, without specifying a number.
The Siaya governor has previously accused successive governments of using security withdrawals to intimidate outspoken leaders. He has linked that practice to criticism of conduct he considers oppressive.
County projects deepen dispute with Ruto
Meanwhile, Natembeya’s standoff with the Interior Ministry comes amid a separate dispute over President William Ruto’s planned project launches.
The President plans to open Masinde Muliro Market and the new Trans Nzoia County headquarters. However, Natembeya has threatened court action to stop the launches, arguing that county funds financed the projects entirely.
In his remarks, Natembeya also described new county assembly offices as a KSh500 million project funded by Trans Nzoia. He maintained that Ruto had contributed no money towards it.
The governor further said he would remove any plaque bearing the President’s name after the opening. He said he would replace it with one bearing his own name.
