When Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya announced on Thursday that his security had been withdrawn, he called on the Inspector-General of Police to explain the decision, saying it was the second time his security had been withdrawn amid his criticism of the government.
The development comes years after Natembeya served as Rift Valley regional commissioner under retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, when he faced criticism from Opposition politicians over his handling of security operations in the region.
Natembeya said he wanted an explanation from the Inspector-General of the National Police Service on the reasons for the withdrawal and whether the applicable procedures had been followed.
“I therefore call upon the Inspector-General of the National Police Service to provide a formal explanation of the reasons for this decision and to clarify whether the applicable security procedures have been followed,” Natembeya said.
The governor said he would continue to rely on God and the people of Trans Nzoia for his protection.
“While I deeply appreciate the dedication and service of our security officers, I remain firmly convinced that my ultimate protection comes from God,” he said.
Natembeya also argued that, as an elected public official, he was entitled to State security.
Between 2019 and 2022, when he served as Rift Valley regional commissioner, Natembeya frequently clashed with politicians over security operations, cattle rustling, banditry and political activities in the region.
Among those who opposed his approach were Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who was then the Elgeyo-Marakwet senator; Tiaty MP William Kamket; the late Emurrua Dikirr MP Johanna Ng’eno; and then nominated MP Gideon Keter.
Kamket was particularly vocal in opposing Natembeya’s approach to security in the North Rift. He was arrested several times by law enforcement agencies over alleged incitement.
Ng’eno also criticised Natembeya, particularly during the controversial Mau Forest evictions, while Keter condemned what he considered heavy-handed security measures in areas affected by political and ethnic clashes.
Murkomen also engaged Natembeya in public exchanges over security management in the North Rift and Kerio Valley.
The senator accused Natembeya of overstepping his mandate, while Natembeya resisted what he viewed as political interference.
Natembeya resigned as regional commissioner in 2022 to pursue elective politics and won the Trans Nzoia governorship.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has also moved from a senior government position to become a critic of the current administration. He is now the Jubilee Party's 2027 presidential candidate.
Matiang’i served in the Interior docket from 2017 to 2022 and became one of the most influential officials in the Uhuru administration.
He earned the nicknames ‘Mr Fix It’ and later ‘the Super-CS’ because of the wide range of responsibilities assigned to him.
During his tenure, Matiang’i clashed with several politicians who opposed the government, including President William Ruto, the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, who is also the Kericho senator, Nyali MP Mohamed Ali, former Borabu MP Ben Momanyi and North Mugirango MP Joshua Nyamoko, among others.
The political landscape has since changed, with Ruto now President and Matiang’i among his prominent critics.
Speaking at Olerai Dominion Church in Narok County on September 27, Matiang’i criticised the government over political parties and multiparty democracy.
“You don’t want to trouble all of us so that you remain the only candidate. Kenyans want choices, and we are ready to give Kenyans leadership,” he said.
Matiang’i's remarks reflect his current position as an Opposition figure, contrasting with his influential role in the previous administration.
Political analyst Kipkorir Mutai said the situations facing Natembeya and Matiang’i reflected changing dynamics in Kenya’s political landscape.
Speaking to The Star, Mutai, a university lecturer, said political fortunes were never permanent and that changes in power should remind those in leadership that their time in office would eventually come to an end.
“Politics is always changing. Dynamics change daily. It is also a message to those currently in power that seasons change,” said Mutai.
He described the changes as a normal feature of Kenyan politics, noting that since the reintroduction of multiparty democracy in the 1990s, several political figures who once held influential positions had lost power or moved to the Opposition.
“Uhuru Kenyatta is now regarded as Kenya’s retired president, yet he was at the helm between 2013 and 2022. William Ruto is the one currently in charge. Politicians such as Kalonzo Musyoka were in power, but now they are out. That is the dynamics of politics,” he said.
