Natembeya accuses gov't of defying court orders over security withdrawal

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has accused the national government of defying court orders by refusing to reinstate his security.

Speaking in Saboti Constituency, the governor expressed disappointment at what he described as a deliberate move to silence and intimidate him after his guards were withdrawn at the end of November.

He maintained that the action would not deter him from speaking out against what he termed bad governance, and urged the national government to respect fundamental rights and the sacrifices made by leaders who fought for the country’s independence.

“Mimi ninatembea lakini mimi ni mfungwa tu. Ata askari walichukuliwa, dereva alichukuliwa ati kwa sababu niliambia serikali ukweli,” said Natembeya.

“What freedom am I celebrating? Wacha niendelee kusononeka, siku yangu itakuja tu,”

The outspoken governor told off his perceived government oppressors, saying, “Those cowards who are harassing us now, history will not remember you for anything good. You will finish your term, go home, and everybody will forget you because of prioritising your comfort at the expense of your people!” 

Natembeya, in an exclusive phone interview with Radio Citizen last month, said the government recalled all his bodyguards, driver and official vehicle without prior explanation, linking the action to his outspoken political stance.

"They took every security detail—my guards, my driver, even the vehicle. It is okay, but let's be honest, this is intimidation," he stated.

He, at the time alleged that there have been attempts to block him from travelling to Malava and other regions where he was planning to have public engagements, describing the developments as part of a wider scheme to limit his movements.

The remarks came just days after unidentified individuals reportedly disrupted one of his rallies in Kabuchai constituency, firing gunshots and damaging several vehicles. Natembeya described the incident as a sign of rising political intolerance.