The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed that the security officers assigned to Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya have been withdrawn. However, Murkomen clarified that Natembeya is not the only politician facing this situation, as several leaders across the political spectrum have had their security details pulled ahead of Thursday’s by-elections in their regions.
Murkomen explained that the decision to withdraw security was based on reports from the National Police Service indicating that some officers assigned to VIPs were involved in criminal activities. While some politicians have chosen to remain silent about the issue, others have decided to make it public, he added.
“It’s not just one person whose security has been withdrawn,” Murkomen stated, emphasizing that the goal was to prevent any misuse of firearms by officers under the guise of protecting their political bosses.
He also reminded that the people, not politicians, would be in charge after the election.
“There are no bosses tomorrow. The people are the bosses, and they will elect their leader,” Murkomen said, stressing that anyone attempting to interfere with the election would be treated as a suspect.
Regarding election security, Murkomen affirmed that security officers stationed at polling areas would focus on protecting voters from intimidation. “Our job is to ensure that voters are not intimidated. If we manage to intimidate the goons, then we’re happy. It’s my joy when those causing disruption complain that the government is intimidating them,” he said.
Murkomen made these comments while assessing security preparedness in Kasipul and other areas ahead of the upcoming elections.
The statement follows claims by Natembeya that his security detail was withdrawn on Tuesday night, describing the move as intimidation and a direct threat to his life.
“All security officers assigned to me were recalled, and I had to put my own safety measures in place,” Natembeya said.
The governor argued that security was a constitutional right, not a privilege to be granted or taken away based on political interests. He also accused the police of politicizing and weaponizing the security apparatus for political gain.
“Let whoever did that know that I will not be intimidated or forced to back down from my position,” Natembeya declared.
He also pointed out that the withdrawal occurred at a time when he had already faced threats to his life, citing recent attacks during by-election campaigns in Malava and Bungoma.
