Murkomen Defends Withdrawal of Natembeya Security, Links Goons

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has publicly justified the sudden removal of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya’s official security detail, stating that any police officer attached to a VIP found walking and working with goons should be immediately withdrawn from such duties.

Speaking on Wednesday, Murkomen said the decision was based on intelligence reports linking some members of Natembeya’s protection unit to criminal elements and political violence in the region.

The CS emphasised that VIP protection is a privilege extended by the state and can be revoked when officers compromise their mandate. “We have credible information that certain officers assigned to the governor were associating with known criminals. When that happens, the only responsible action is to pull them out and investigate,” Murkomen told journalists.

He clarified that the withdrawal was not politically motivated but a routine security measure to protect both the officers and the public. Natembeya’s security team, comprising eight General Service Unit officers, two drivers, and chase vehicles, was recalled to Nairobi on Monday night, just hours before scheduled by-elections in Western Kenya.

The governor has since accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of orchestrating the move to intimidate him ahead of his campaign appearances in the Kabuchai and Malava constituencies.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo confirmed the withdrawal in a brief statement, saying the officers had been reassigned pending internal disciplinary processes.

Sources within the National Police Service revealed that at least three officers in Natembeya’s detail are under investigation for allegedly coordinating with local youth gangs during recent political clashes in Kitale and Chwele.

The controversy stems from a violent rally on November 22 where gunshots disrupted Natembeya’s speech in Kabuchai. Video footage circulating online appears to show some uniformed officers standing idly as armed youth hurled stones at opposition supporters.

A separate incident last week saw the home of Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga attacked by machete-wielding assailants, with the lawmaker claiming some attackers arrived in vehicles resembling those used in gubernatorial convoys.

Murkomen dismissed Natembeya’s claims of political persecution, pointing out that several other opposition governors retain full security details. “This is not about silencing anyone. It is about ensuring our officers do not become part of the problem,” he insisted.

The CS added that replacement personnel would only be deployed after a thorough vetting process to prevent recurrence. Human rights organisations and the Law Society of Kenya have questioned the timing and legality of the withdrawal, arguing that governors are entitled to state protection regardless of political affiliation.

LSK President Faith Odhiambo called for an independent probe, warning that selective withdrawal of security sets a dangerous precedent ahead of future elections.

Natembeya has since hired private security and vowed to continue campaigning without state protection. “They can take the officers, the cars, everything. I will walk with the people because my security comes from the voters, not from guns provided by a fearful regime,” he told supporters in Kiminini on Wednesday.

The former regional commissioner has positioned himself as a fierce critic of President William Ruto’s administration in the Luhya-dominated Western region.

As the dust settles, questions remain about whether the withdrawn officers will face formal charges or be quietly redeployed elsewhere. For now, Natembeya’s high-profile movements without armed state escorts have become a symbol of defiance, with supporters escorting his convoy in private vehicles whenever he tours the county.

The incident has reignited debate about the politicisation of security organs in Kenya, with opposition leaders demanding clear guidelines on when and how VIP protection can be withdrawn. Until those answers come, Natembeya’s security situation remains a closely watched barometer of civil-military relations in the country.