Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya announced that his entire official security detail provided by the National Police Service had been withdrawn on the evening of November 25, 2025 without explanation or prior communication.
The governor termed the incident a well-calculated move to intimidate and silence him. He emphasized that security was a constitutional right owed to him as an elected leader.
Natembeya warned that the move jeopardizes his personal safety and political independence. This comes just two days before the Thursday, November 27, 2025, by-elections.
According to Natembeya, the state has been using several means to intimidate him, including Senate summons and trumped-up corruption charges.
The incident occurred in the wake of Natembeya`s attack during a campaign rally in Chwele Ward, Kabuchai Constituency, Bungoma County, on November 22, 2025, where he was campaigning for independent MCA candidate Erick Wekesa ahead of the November 27 by-election.
Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga stated that Natembeya ducked into his car as a bullet passed over the sunroof, and the attackers also targeted Kalasinga and former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati.
Several vehicles in Natembeya's convoy were vandalized, and the group sought refuge at Kalasinga's home in Namakhele, which was subsequently attacked, with windows broken and glass strewn across the property.
Kalasinga reported that his watchman lost hands and legs in the assault on his residence. Natembeya accused National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula of being behind the political violence in the constituency.
Natembeya’s Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) directly blamed the confrontations on goons allegedly linked to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, whose Ford Kenya party supports Vincent Maunda, a rival candidate.
The governor added that the move was an attempt to frustrate his efforts in pushing for unity of the people of western Kenya and retaliation for demanding accountability from the government.
The Interior Ministry and National Police Service had issued no statements regarding the security detail's withdrawal.
