Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has dared President William Ruto’s administration to stop intimidating him, vowing not to abandon his opposition politics after his security detail was withdrawn for the second time.
The combative governor accused the government of weaponising his security to force him into political submission, demanding answers from Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja over the recall of his bodyguards without formal communication or written reasons.
“I will not be distracted from serving the public, defending constitutionalism or upholding the rule of law,” Natembeya declared on Wednesday at the county headquarters in Kitale.
He challenged Kanja to explain why his security officers had been withdrawn again, warning that the decision must comply with the Constitution and established police procedures.
The governor cited a May 2025 High Court ruling in which Justice Lawrence Mugambi declared the withdrawal of security officers assigned to five governors unconstitutional and unlawful because it violated their right to fair administrative action.
The ruling concerned governors Ochilo Ayacko, Gladys Wanga, James Orengo, Anyang’ Nyong’o and Simba Arati.
Natembeya argued that his protection was not a political favour from the State but an entitlement that should not be withdrawn arbitrarily.
“A governor’s security is a right, not a privilege that the government gives,” he said.
He also held the government responsible for his safety, linking the latest withdrawal to his increasingly bitter political fallout with Ruto.
“The government is very bitter with me. Ruto has come here and he is very angry. He has his cheerleaders who want to be in charge of Trans Nzoia,” he charged.
The security standoff has erupted amid a fierce war of words between the two leaders over development projects in Trans Nzoia, with Ruto accusing the county boss of frustrating national government initiatives.
During his October 14 visit to Kiminini and Cherang’any, the President took aim at Natembeya’s Tawe political movement, portraying it as an obstacle to development.
But the governor fired back, insisting that supporting the opposition does not mean opposing development and that Trans Nzoia residents should not be punished politically.
He singled out Kitale Stadium and Endebess Hospital, arguing that his administration had not rejected either project but wanted transparency over their financing and implementation.
Natembeya revealed that a team of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers had visited his office to discuss how the national government would fund the completion of Kitale Stadium.
He said he approved the proposed arrangements but claimed no construction work had started because he refused to submit politically to Ruto.
The governor challenged the President to disclose the source of funding for the stadium project, reportedly valued at Sh1.9 billion, claiming he could not trace the allocation in the budget.
“I want the President to prove me wrong, and I will be very happy because it means people will benefit. But he is making promises about projects whose money is not in the budget. Where will the money come from?” he posed.
He also questioned a separate proposal to build another hospital in Kitale at a reported cost of Sh1 billion, arguing that existing health facilities should be strengthened before additional infrastructure is established.
The dispute has exposed growing tensions over how the national and county governments should coordinate development projects, particularly those touching on devolved functions.
Natembeya insisted that public investments must be guided by the Constitution, proper consultation and transparent funding—not political loyalty.
Despite the escalating confrontation, the governor said he would continue to accord Ruto the respect due to the Head of State during official visits but would not join him in political campaigns or defect to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“If the President comes as the President of Kenya and has official functions, we will welcome him and give him the courtesy he deserves. But if he comes as a UDA candidate looking for votes, how can I accompany him?” he asked.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, Natembeya maintained that he would remain firmly in the opposition, dismissing any suggestion that he would trade his political independence for government favour.
He said his priority was defending Trans Nzoia residents’ interests and ensuring they received public services regardless of their governor’s political affiliation.
