Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya/FILEThe whereabouts of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya remained unclear on Thursday following claims by his party that he had been arrested while travelling to Kakamega County.
In a statement posted on X, the Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) alleged that police officers intercepted and arrested the governor as he made his way to Malava Constituency.
“Governor George Natembeya arrested on his way to Malava, his whereabouts remain unknown!” the party stated, raising concern among supporters and prompting a wave of speculation online.
Shortly after the claims emerged, videos circulated purporting to show residents in Kitale town taking to the streets demanding the governor’s release.
The clips—showing crowds gathered on a roadside and chanting—added to the growing tension in the county, though police were yet to issue a formal confirmation regarding the alleged arrest.
The reports come just a day after Natembeya’s security detail was withdrawn.
According to officials, the officers guarding his residence and those assigned for his personal protection were recalled at midnight on Wednesday.
These developments follow a violent incident on Saturday, November 22, when armed attackers reportedly ambushed the governor during a rally in Chwele Ward, Kabuchai, Bungoma County.
Natembeya’s motorcade was damaged, and the governor later claimed that he had been shot at multiple times. The same group of assailants is said to have targeted the residence of Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that
Natembeya’s security detail had indeed been withdrawn but dismissed claims
that the move was politically motivated or targeted.
He insisted that several leaders from various political factions had also had their officers recalled ahead of Thursday’s by-elections.
“The National Police Service has a report that the officers attached to them are involved in criminal activities,” Murkomen said.
“Some leaders have chosen not to speak publicly, while others have gone public with it. It is not only one person whose security has been withdrawn.”
Murkomen added that the government is taking steps to ensure police firearms are not misused during the tense election period.
“In any case, there is no boss tomorrow. The people are the
bosses, and they are going to elect their boss,” he said.
He warned that anyone found interfering with the electoral process would be treated as a suspect, regardless of their political standing. The presence of security officers at polling stations, he noted, would strictly be to safeguard voters and maintain order.
“Our job as a government is to ensure voters are not intimidated,” Murkomen said. “When we succeed in intimidating the goons, we are very happy. When goons complain that the government is intimidating them, it is my joy.”
