TRANS NZOIA, Kenya – Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has demanded a formal explanation from the Inspector-General of Police after the reported second withdrawal of his security detail, citing constitutional protections and a court ruling on the removal of security assigned to governors.
In a statement, Natembeya said any decision affecting his security must comply with the Constitution and the rule of law, calling on the relevant authorities to explain the reasons for the repeated withdrawal and clarify whether proper procedures had been followed.
He cited Article 47 of the Constitution, which guarantees every person administrative action that is lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair, including written reasons where a right or fundamental freedom has been adversely affected.
“Any decision affecting my security must therefore comply with the applicable constitutional and legal requirements,” Natembeya said.
The governor also invoked Article 238(2)(b), 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 sets out the National Police Service’s obligations to maintain professionalism and discipline while respecting human rights, fundamental freedoms and human dignity.
Natembeya Cites Court Ruling On Governors’ Security
Natembeya drew attention to a High Court ruling reported on June 3, 2025, concerning the withdrawal of security assigned to five governors.
According to the governor, the court held that withdrawing security without prior written notice, an opportunity to be heard and written reasons violated Article 47 of the Constitution.
He urged the relevant authorities to take the judicial pronouncement and applicable law into account when reviewing security arrangements.
The governor said he was not opposed to lawful security reviews but insisted that any such process should be conducted professionally and objectively, without discrimination or improper political influence.
“Let me be clear: I do not claim immunity from lawful security reviews. What I insist upon is that any such review must be conducted professionally, objectively and in accordance with the Constitution, without discrimination or improper political influence,” he said.
Governor Seeks Reasons For Repeated Withdrawal
Natembeya called on the Inspector-General of the National Police Service to provide a formal explanation for the decision and clarify whether the applicable security procedures had been followed.
He also urged authorities to ensure that appropriate security arrangements remain in place in accordance with the law.
The governor said the matter would not distract him from his responsibilities to the people of Trans Nzoia, adding that he remained committed to defending constitutionalism and upholding the rule of law.
“The Constitution is binding on every public institution. No exercise of public power is above the law, and no Kenyan should be denied procedural fairness,” he said.
