Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has received temporary relief after the High Court stepped in to stop the government from withdrawing or reducing his security team.
The court’s decision means that officers assigned to protect him cannot be removed or reassigned until the matter is fully heard.
The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, December 2, also extends protection to Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale. Both leaders will have their full security reinstated as the court prepares to hear and determine an application filed on November 28, 2025.
According to the court orders, the respondents are barred from making any negative or harmful changes to the security arrangements of the two leaders.
This includes altering the number of officers, the type of security provided, or any other details connected to their protection — all of which must remain exactly as they were before the disputed changes.
Tension around the issue began on November 26, just a day before the by-elections, when Senator Khalwale complained that the government had suddenly withdrawn six of his bodyguards. His statement came shortly after Governor Natembeya also reported that his security detail had been reduced without explanation.
Following these developments, the Centre for Litigation Trust took the matter to court, dragging Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen into the case.
The civil society group argued that the action was unconstitutional, discriminatory, and politically motivated. They claimed the withdrawal was meant to put pressure on the two leaders, who have been openly critical of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Court filings further indicated that neither Natembeya nor Khalwale had been informed of any investigations or wrongdoing that would justify the withdrawal of their security. This strengthened the argument that the move was unfair and done without any legal basis.
The court documents described the actions as “whimsical” and meant to intimidate the governor and senator, rather than being guided by proper procedure or legitimate security concerns.
In the new orders issued on Tuesday, the court also directed CS Murkomen to immediately restore the exact security arrangements both leaders enjoyed before the controversial withdrawal. This means the officers, units, and all other security elements must be returned without delay.
As the case continues, both Natembeya and Khalwale are expected to fully enjoy the privileges and protection that come with their positions.
For Senator Khalwale, the court ruling offers some consolation on a day when he suffered a major political setback. Earlier on Tuesday, he lost his position as Senate Majority Whip.
His removal was initiated by his UDA party, and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi confirmed the decision after receiving official communication from the party leadership.
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