CS Murkomen Explains Withdrawal of Governor Natembeya’s Security Detail

 

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has explained why the security officers assigned to Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya were withdrawn, linking the move to concerns about planned violence and possible misuse of firearms.

Speaking on Wednesday, Murkomen said the National Police Service acted to prevent potential crises involving VIP protection officers.

“There have been cases where police officers assigned to VIPs misused their firearms. If an officer is working with criminal elements, the first step is to remove them before addressing the criminals,” he explained.

The CS stressed that police officers remain part of the National Police Service and should not be drawn into the personal agendas, campaigns, or criminal activities of those they protect.

Murkomen revealed the withdrawal was based on intelligence about planned violent activities and suspicions that some officers were collaborating with criminal gangs. 

He warned that the affected officers could face serious consequences, including disciplinary action or dismissal.

The security detail tasked with guarding Governor Natembeya and accompanying him during official duties was recalled early Wednesday morning.

In response, Governor Natembeya described the move as politically motivated intimidation and blamed the President for the decision, which he said was made without explanation.

“This action violates the National Police Service Act, which requires the Inspector-General to provide security to state officers at risk. There has been no due process, no court order, and no official communication. It endangers my safety and interferes with my work,” Natembeya said.

He called on the National Police Service to reinstate his security and uphold constitutional standards of fairness and professionalism.