Political Tensions Rise in Kenya as Governor Natembeya’s Security Withdrawn

This action follows an earlier attack on his convoy at a campaign rally just days before, which triggered serious investigations into the safety of government critics.

The said goons also attacked Kabuchai Member of Parliament Majimbo Kalasinga’s residence.

Viral images and video showed Natembeya’s vehicles destroyed, with the county boss alleging that he was shot at several times after the goons stormed the rally.

He would then link the chaos to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, his political rival.

Speaking while assessing the damage at Kalasinga’s home, Natembeya slammed Wetangula, accusing him of using government machinery to settle political scores.

“This is so primitive, it is not politics. Wabunge wa Kenya, huyu ndio Chairman wenu anafanya mambo kama hii…your leader in the National Assembly is the one doing these things. Sending goons to come and destroy the home of a member of the National Assembly…because they have a different political opinion,” he said.

Opposition pressure

Governor Natembeya, known for his vocal criticism of the government and his expressed interest in running for president in 2027, faces increased political pressure, including threats from key officials aiming to limit his political career.

The withdrawal of security guards, including those stationed at his home, was confirmed, highlighting a significant deterioration in his relationship with the state security apparatus.

The move also coincides with a broader government action that has seen security withdrawn from other opposition leaders, including governors Kingi and Joho, whose firearm licenses were also revoked.

This situation fuels concerns about escalating political tensions and the safety of opposition figures in Kenya.

Reactions and future implications

Governor Natembeya has openly challenged government leaders such as Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who vowed to make him a one-term governor due to his disrespect towards prominent political figures.

The Malava by-election, seen as a litmus test for Western Kenya’s political realignment, has drawn intense scrutiny as rival camps battle for dominance ahead of the 2027 general election.

Natembeya described the incident as a threat to a democratic process especially in a high-stake poll like the one in Malava.

“The mission is bigger than guns or bodyguards. We will not stop.”

Despite these tensions, Natembeya remains steadfast in his political ambitions and criticism of the ruling establishment, portraying the withdrawal of his security as part of a broader political vendetta against dissenting voices.

The past coming back.

He pointed out that even President William Ruto faced similar security challenges, recalling that during his time as Deputy President, Ruto also had his security withdrawn.

In August 2021, elite officers from the General Service Unit (GSU) assigned to Deputy President William Ruto’s official residence in Karen and other homes were withdrawn and replaced by Administration Police officers.

Ruto condemned the move as unusual and unlawful, arguing that it violated Police Service Standing Orders and was politically motivated.

His office formally requested an explanation from the Inspector General of Police, Hillary Mutyambai, stating that the withdrawal exposed him to serious security risks and appeared to be part of a systematic effort to undermine his safety.

Similarly, in 2019, several politicians allied to Ruto, including governors and members of parliament, had their security details withdrawn under ambiguous circumstances.

These actions drew accusations from opposition leaders that the government was weaponizing security arrangements to intimidate political opponents, while the police maintained that these were routine security personnel reassignments.

This context highlights a recurring pattern where security provisions are entangled with political dynamics in Kenya, with security withdrawals often interpreted as moves to politically weaken opposition figures.

Governor Natembeya’s security withdrawal is viewed within this broader framework of contested political power and security management.