Supporters of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya held a peaceful demonstration in Kitale town on Tuesday, calling for the reinstatement of the governor’s security detail, which had recently been withdrawn by the National Police Service.
The protesters, including local leaders, activists, and members of the public, accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and the Kenya Kwanza government of using the police to silence Natembeya, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.
The demonstrators marched through the town, holding placards and chanting slogans in support of the governor’s right to express his political views freely.
They linked the security withdrawal to politics, claiming that the government was trying to undermine Natembeya’s efforts as he builds his opposition base in Western Kenya.
“The governor has a right to support whichever wing of the political side he would like to belong to. It is very undemocratic for the government to force him into supporting its choice of candidates. We believe that the government is using the police to intimidate him and undermine his political agenda. This must stop,” said Mr. Daniel Khaemba, a local leader.
The protesters further argued that Governor Natembeya’s political movement, known as TAWE, represents a resurgence of regional political autonomy and is aimed at providing a new political direction for the region.
They expressed solidarity with Natembeya’s opposition to the current administration and stated that no form of intimidation would stop his political ambitions.
Following the withdrawal of his security detail, Governor Natembeya addressed the issue, accusing the government of neglecting its duty to protect elected leaders, regardless of their political affiliation.
“This is not just an attack on me. It is an attack on the right of every Kenyan to freely express their political views without fear of persecution. Attempts to frustrate my efforts will not deter me from continuing to advocate for the rights of our people,” Natembeya said in a statement to the media.
