“Political Goonism Must Be Finished”: Murkomen on Natembeya Security Row

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has explained the decision to withdraw security officers assigned to Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, accusing the county chief of associating with goons and orchestrating political violence.

Speaking in Elgeyo-Marakwet County during President William Ruto’s official tour of the region, Murkomen maintained that the government will not allow elected politicians to utilize state security personnel to facilitate or shield unlawful activities.

“Political goonism must be finished. There are politicians who are enjoying the security provided by the government. They have police officers but still plan violence,” Murkomen said.

Murkomen accused Governor Natembeya of coordinating with chaotic elements while simultaneously relying on government-funded protection.

“We have a governor here in neighbouring Trans Nzoia, who hangs around with goons and plans chaos,” Murkomen stated. “He wants to have police officers, and at the same time he is planning violence. We will not allow any politician to use government offices and government security to plan violence.”

Reaffirming the state’s position, the Interior CS stated that national security officials will remain firm against political violence and resist political pressure.

“We will stand firm and not be intimidated as those in charge of the security sector,” he added.

Governor Natembeya Demands Answers from Police Leadership

Murkomen’s remarks follow strong protests from Governor Natembeya, who demanded a formal explanation from Inspector-General of the National Police Service Douglas Kanja over the sudden withdrawal of his bodyguards.

Natembeya noted that this marks the second time his security detail has been recalled, raising questions about whether authorities observed statutory procedures and constitutional mandates.

In an official statement, Natembeya insisted that any decision altering his security arrangements must adhere strictly to the rule of law.

The governor cited key constitutional guarantees to challenge the move:

• Article 47: Guarantees every citizen the right to fair administrative action that is lawful, reasonable, and procedurally sound, requiring written justification for decisions that adversely affect fundamental freedoms.
• Article 238: Mandates that national security measures strictly align with democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law.
• Article 244: Requires the National Police Service to uphold professionalism, discipline, and respect for human dignity and rights.

Natembeya questioned whether due process was applied and urged police leadership to provide clear reasons for the action.

The escalating dispute comes amid heightened political friction across the Rift Valley region, coinciding with President William Ruto’s ongoing series of public rallies.

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