KAKAMEGA, Kenya – Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale are up in arms after the national government withdrew their security detail ahead of the highly contested Malava by-election.
In separate statements, the two leaders confirmed the move hours before voters go to the polls in Malava to elect their new member of parliament tomorrow, Thursday, November 27, 2025.
“Today, my security detail was withdrawn without any notice or lawful justification. 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,” Governor Natembeya posted on his social media platforms.
Governor Natembeya took issue with the government, claiming that there was no court order, no disciplinary communication, and no official explanation for the decision.
“It not only endangers my safety but also interferes with the smooth execution of county duties. I call upon the National Police Service to immediately reinstate my security and adhere to the constitutional standards of fairness, professionalism, and respect for the law,” the county boss added.
On his part, Senator Khalwale issued a strong warning after his security detail was also withdrawn.
What did Senator Khalwale tell the government after the move
Senator Khalwale raised concerns about the reasons behind the decision, implying that if the intention was to put him in danger, those behind it should know that there will be repercussions for their actions.
“Up to now, the county commissioner and the county commander have conducted themselves very well. So, I am hoping that professionalism will continue up to the end of the election and after the announcement of the winner. However, I want to tell them that no one is immortal. If the intention of withdrawing security for Natembeya and the security for Boni Khalwale is something beyond intimidation. If you want to go ahead and cause us actual physical consequences, it will have consequences,” said Senator Khalwale.
According to the vocal senator, should they be harmed, the amount of pandemonium that will take place in the region and beyond will be more ‘expensive’ than letting them enjoy their constitutional freedom.
“Luhyas must be respected. We are not measured in the eyes of people like Livondo and Rashim, who I see driving around in high-end vehicles, trying to think that they can defeat us. No one knows them in Malava. They are just wasting their time,” Senator Khalwale further said, adding that he was not afraid of being arrested.
How Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen reacted to the move
While reacting to the move, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen claimed that the security officers attached to the leaders were withdrawn for allegedly working with hired goons to cause mayhem during the election.
“The fact that you have been attached to a certain VIP does not make you part and parcel of their campaign, part and parcel of their ideologies and part and parcel of their criminal plans. You need to know that any time you remain an officer of the National Police Service (NPS),” said CS Murkomen.
The CS said that if there are any officers who have been withdrawn, it must be in relation to the planned violent confrontations.
“And the fact that some of these police officers have been found in the middle of goons facilitating the violence. It is not enough that they have been withdrawn; there are disciplinary actions that will be taken against them, and if the charges are proven, they will be relieved of their responsibilities within the NPS,” explained CS Murkomen.
Governor Natembeya and Senator Khalwale are among the leaders who have been on the ground campaigning for the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) candidate Seth Panyako ahead of the polls.
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