Natembeya protests alleged security withdrawal

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has raised concern over the alleged withdrawal of his security, demanding a formal explanation from the Inspector-General of the National Police Service.

Natembeya said the withdrawal had occurred for the second time, raising questions over whether the authorities had followed the constitutional and legal procedures governing changes to the security assigned to public officials.

In a statement on Thursday, the governor said public power must be exercised within the Constitution and the rule of law, arguing that any decision affecting his security should be lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair.

He cited Article 47 of the Constitution, which guarantees every person the right to administrative action that is lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair, including written reasons where a decision adversely affects a right or fundamental freedom.

Natembeya also invoked Article 238, which requires national security to be pursued in compliance with the law and with respect for the rule of law, democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms.

He further cited Article 244, which requires the National Police Service to maintain high standards of professionalism and discipline and to respect human rights, fundamental freedoms and human dignity.

The governor said he was particularly concerned because the security withdrawal had allegedly happened previously.

“I therefore call upon the Inspector-General of the National Police Service to provide a formal explanation of the reasons for this decision and to clarify whether the applicable security procedures have been followed,” he said.

Natembeya also referred to a High Court ruling reported on June 3, 2025, concerning the withdrawal of security assigned to five governors.

He said the court had held that withdrawing security without prior written notice, an opportunity to be heard and written reasons violated Article 47 of the Constitution.

The governor urged the relevant authorities to take the judicial pronouncement into account when reviewing his security arrangements.

He, however, said he was not opposed to lawful security reviews, insisting that any review should be conducted professionally, objectively and in accordance with the law.

“I do not claim immunity from lawful security reviews,” Natembeya said, adding that he opposed any process conducted with discrimination or improper political influence.

The governor said the security issue would not distract him from discharging his constitutional responsibilities to the people of Trans Nzoia.

He called for clarification on the reasons for the repeated withdrawal and urged authorities to ensure appropriate security arrangements were maintained in accordance with the law.

“The Constitution is binding on every public institution,” he said, adding that no exercise of public power was above the law and no Kenyan should be denied procedural fairness.